Taiwan detects Chinese military presence across the country

According to the ministry statement, three aircraft of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), seven ships of China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and four ships of the China Coast Guard (CCG) were tracked across the country as of 6 am.

Taiwan's armed forces responded to the situation accordingly.

In a post shared on Twitter, the ministry said, “As of 6am today (UTC+8), 3 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN ships and 4 CCG ships were detected operating in the vicinity of Taiwan. 3 aircraft crossed the centreline and entered our southwestern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

On Monday, Taiwan's ministry said it had detected 21 Chinese military aircraft, 11 Chinese naval ships and four Chinese coast guard ships near its territory between 6 am and 6 pm (local time) on Sunday.

According to Taiwan's MND, 10 of these 21 Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan's southwestern and southeastern air defense identification zones (ADIZ).

In response to the Chinese activity, the Taiwanese armed forces have monitored the situation and deployed naval ships and coastal missiles to monitor the situation.

As rising tensions in the Taiwan Strait highlight the ongoing geopolitical complexities in the region, Taiwan has reaffirmed its commitment to defend its sovereignty and democratic values ​​in the face of China's growing military pressure.

Days after Lai Ching-te was sworn in as Taiwan's president, China on Thursday launched a two-day military drill targeting Taiwan as “punishment” for so-called “separatist acts,” CNN reported.

China said it began joint military exercises involving the army, navy, air force and rocket forces in areas around Taiwan at 7.45 am (local time) on Thursday.

In retaliation, Taiwan has deployed its warships to monitor the situation. According to CNN's report, Beijing considers Lai a “dangerous separatist” because he supports Taiwan's sovereignty and separate identity.

Despite never controlling Taiwan, China's ruling Communist Party claims it as part of its territory and has vowed to annex the island by force if necessary.