Taiwan has detected 21 Chinese military aircraft, 11 naval and 4 coast guard ships near its territory

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, Taiwan's armed forces have monitored the situation and deployed naval ships and coastal missiles to monitor the situation.

In a statement shared on Twitter, Taiwan's MND said, “As of 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today, 21 PLA aircraft, 11 PLAN ships and 4 CCG ships were detected around Taiwan. 10 aircraft entered Taiwan's southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. The ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and used CAP aircraft, naval ships and coastal missile systems in response to the detected activities.”

As of 6 a.m. today (UTC+8), 21 PLA aircraft, 11 PLAN ships, and 4 CCG ships were observed operating in the vicinity of Taiwan. 10 aircraft entered Taiwan's southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces The situation is being monitored and response is being given accordingly. pic.twitter.com/iHvg4LUTft

– Ministry of National Defense, ROC 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) 27 May 2024

Earlier on Saturday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said it had detected seven Chinese military aircraft and 10 Chinese naval ships around Taiwan. According to a statement from Taiwan's MND, as of 6 a.m., seven PLA aircraft, 14 PLAN ships, and four China Coast Guard (CCG) ships had been tracked around the island.

“As of 6 AM today (UTC+8), 7 PLA aircraft, 14 PLAN ships & 4 CCG ships have been detected operating in the vicinity of #Taiwan. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation & responded accordingly,” the Taiwanese ministry said in a post on Twitter.

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.

As part of the exercise, dozens of Chinese warplanes carrying live ammunition carried out simulated attacks against “high-value military targets” of the “enemy” along with destroyers, frigates and missile speedboats, according to China's state broadcaster CCTV.

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

According to CNN, PLA Navy Colonel Li Xi, a spokesman for the command, described the exercise as “a harsh punishment for the separatist acts of Taiwan independence forces and a solemn warning against interference and provocation by external forces.”

In retaliation, Taiwan deployed its warships to monitor the situation. According to CNN report, Beijing considers Lai a “dangerous separatist” because he supports Taiwan's sovereignty and separate identity. He replaced two-time President Tsai Ing-wen, giving the Democratic Progressive Party an unprecedented third consecutive term in power.

Beijing criticised Lai's inaugural address, in which he urged China to stop intimidating Taiwan. In his inaugural address after being sworn in as Taiwan's president, Lai Ching-te called on Beijing to stop intimidating the island nation, which China still claims.

In his inaugural address, Lai called on Beijing to “stop its political and military intimidation against Taiwan, share global responsibility with Taiwan to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait as well as the larger region, and ensure that the world is free from the fear of war.”

Lai, a former doctor and vice president, was sworn in alongside newly appointed Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, who recently took over as Taiwan's chief ambassador to the US. Beijing has publicly criticised both leaders and their party for failing to defend Taiwan's sovereignty.