Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported a significant increase in Chinese military activity around the island, detecting 14 sorties of People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, six naval vessels, and two official ships operating near its territorial waters as of 6 a.m. local time on Thursday.
Of the 14 aircraft sorties, 10 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern parts of the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The MND stated in a post on X that the Republic of China (ROC) Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.
Earlier Incursions on Wednesday
The previous day, the MND reported 11 sorties of PLA aircraft, six PLAN vessels, and seven official ships around Taiwan. Three of those 11 sorties crossed the median line and entered the northern and southwestern ADIZ. The MND reiterated that the armed forces were monitoring and responding to the situation.
Taiwan's Submarine Sea Trials
In a related development, Focus Taiwan reported that Taiwan's first domestically built submarine departed from the Port of Kaohsiung earlier in June for its latest round of sea trials, which included dive tests. According to the Military News Agency, this trial marked the submarine's 15th sea trial overall and its ninth submerged navigation test.
Context of China's Claims Over Taiwan
China's claim over Taiwan is rooted in historical, political, and legal arguments. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a stance 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 point of international debate, testing principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference, 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. The ongoing increase in Chinese military activity around Taiwan underscores the tense geopolitical situation in the region.
