Taiwan Responds to Increased Chinese Military Activity with Heightened Surveillance
Taiwan has reported a significant escalation in Chinese military activity near its territory, marking another episode in the ongoing tensions across the Taiwan Strait. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND), 14 Chinese fighter jets, 5 naval vessels, and 4 government ships were detected in the region on Saturday. Notably, 13 of these aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line and entered Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), prompting a strong response from Taipei.
Taiwan’s Firm Response
In an official statement posted on social media platform X, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry confirmed it had closely monitored the situation and taken necessary countermeasures. This incursion follows a similar incident just a day earlier, when 11 Chinese aircraft, 6 naval ships, and 3 government ships were spotted near Taiwan, with 7 aircraft breaching the ADIZ.
Taiwan Condemns Joint Statement by China and Vietnam
Tensions have also flared diplomatically. Taiwan’s Foreign Ministry strongly objected to a joint statement issued by China and Vietnam, which labeled any pro-independence efforts by Taiwan as separatist actions. This declaration came during Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Vietnam.
Taiwan rebuked the statement, calling it a distortion of facts. The Foreign Ministry reiterated that Taiwan is a free, democratic, and sovereign nation, and emphasized that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has never ruled Taiwan. The ministry affirmed Taiwan’s unwavering commitment to defending its sovereignty.