Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported on Tuesday that it detected four sorties of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, nine People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, and three official ships operating near Taiwan's territorial waters as of 6 a.m. local time (UTC+8) on July 7, 2026.
Three aircraft cross median line into Taiwan's ADIZ
According to the MND, three of the four aircraft sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern part Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In a post on X, the MND stated: "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."
Previous day's detection: 5 aircraft, 8 vessels
On Monday, July 6, the MND detected five sorties of Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels, and three official ships. Of those, three aircraft entered Taiwan's southwestern part ADIZ. The MND posted: "5 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 out of 5 sorties entered Taiwan's southwestern part ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded."
China urges US prudence on Taiwan
Earlier on July 3, China called on the United States to handle Taiwan-related issues with extra prudence, emphasizing the far-reaching implications. Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, stated that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during a conversation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussed the need to remove disruptions, overcome obstacles, and stay firmly on the right course toward building a constructive bilateral relationship of strategic stability.
Historical context of China's claim over Taiwan
China's claim over Taiwan is deeply rooted in historical, political, and legal arguments. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a position embedded in national policy and upheld by domestic laws and international statements. Taiwan, however, maintains a distinct identity, functioning independently with its own government, military, and economy. The status of Taiwan 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 originates from the Qing Dynasty's annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga.
