Taiwan detects 62 Chinese military aircraft and 27 ships across the country

According to the ministry, 62 aircraft of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) and 27 ships of China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were seen operating around Taiwan.

Of these, 47 aircraft crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwest, southeast, and east air defense identification zones (ADIZ).

In response, Taiwan's armed forces monitored the situation and responded accordingly.

In a post shared on Twitter, the Taiwan Defense Ministry said, “As of 6 AM today, 62 PLA aircraft and 27 PLAN ships were detected operating around #Taiwan. 47 aircraft crossed the median line of the #TaiwanStrait and entered Taiwan's southwest, southeast, and east ADIZ. #ROCAarmedForce has monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

62 PLA aircraft and 27 PLA ships are operating over a range of approximately 150 kilometres. #taiwan By 6 a.m. today it was learned that 47 aircraft had crossed the center line. #taiwan It passed through the strait and entered Taiwan's southwest, southeast, and eastern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces The situation is being monitored and response is being given accordingly. pic.twitter.com/JfUUGV1E3m

– Ministry of National Defense, ROC 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) 25 May 2024

Meanwhile, the US State Department said it is “very closely monitoring” the situation in coordination with Taiwan, as Beijing launched a two-day military exercise in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding regions, Central Taiwan News Agency (CNA) reported.

In an emailed response to CNA, a State Department spokesperson expressed concern over reports of People's Liberation Army (PLA) joint military exercises in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan. The spokesperson said China's actions risk escalating tensions and undermining longstanding norms that have maintained regional peace and stability for decades.

The spokesperson stressed that Taiwan's political transition is a normal part of its democratic process and China should not use it as an excuse for provocative or coercive measures. The spokesperson said the US is confident in the status and operations of its existing forces to ensure peace and stability in the region and meet its national security commitments.

On Friday, the second day of China's military exercises in the Taiwan Strait, the island nation's Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported a significant presence of Chinese military aircraft and ships near its territory.

Emphasizing its ability and confidence to ensure Taiwan's security and defend its sovereignty, the MND also called on the international community to condemn China's actions, which it considers irrational.

The ministry stressed that the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) military exercises, which are indicative of its hegemonic mindset, have undermined regional peace and stability.

“The CCP's military exercises, which expose its hegemonic mindset, have undermined regional peace and stability. The ROC Armed Forces are prepared to defend our country. We do not seek any conflict, but we will not back down from anyone.

Despite Taiwan's reluctance to conflict, the ROC Armed Forces confirmed their readiness to defend the country. While trying to avoid conflicts, Taiwan made it clear that it would not shy away from defending itself against any invasion.