Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported on Friday, July 10, 2026, that it detected two Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, five PLA Navy (PLAN) vessels, and three official ships operating around the island's territory. The detection was made up until 6:00 a.m. local time (UTC+8), and the Republic of China (ROC) Armed Forces have monitored and responded to the situation, according to a post on X by the MND.
Earlier Incursions This Week
This latest detection follows a series of multi-day military incursions earlier in the week. On Tuesday, July 7, the MND tracked four sorties of Chinese aircraft, nine naval vessels, and three official ships around Taiwan's territorial waters as of 6:00 a.m. local time. Of the four aircraft, three crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The MND posted on X: "4 sorties of PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 out of 4 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern part ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded."
China's Stance on Taiwan
Earlier on July 3, China urged the United States to handle Taiwan-related issues with extra prudence, citing far-reaching implications. Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, stated that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussed the need to remove disruptions, overcome obstacles, and stay firmly on the right course. China asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a position rooted in historical, political, and legal arguments, and upheld by domestic laws and international statements.
Taiwan's Position and International Debate
Taiwan maintains a distinct identity, functioning independently with its own government, military, and economy. The island's status remains a significant point of international debate, testing principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference in international law, according to the United Service Institution of India. China's claim to Taiwan originates from the Qing Dynasty's annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga.
