Taiwan spotted 49 Chinese aircraft and 19 ships near its territory

According to MND, as of 6 am Friday, a total of 49 aircraft of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), including Su-30, J-16 and KJ-500, as well as 19 ships of China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and 7 China Coast Guard (CCG) ships were found operating around Taiwan.

Of particular concern was that 35 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ). In response to this increased activity, Taiwan's armed forces, including the army, navy, air force and coast guard, were closely monitoring the situation and taking concrete action to defend the island's freedom and democracy, according to the MND.

“As of 6 AM today, 49 PLA aircraft (including SU-30, J-16, KJ-500, etc.), 19 PLAN ships and 7 CCG ships have been observed operating in the vicinity of #Taiwan. 35 aircraft have crossed the median line of the #Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's SW ADIZ. The ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly,” Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said on Friday.

49 PLA aircraft, 19 PLA ships and 7 CCG ships are operational #taiwan By 6 a.m. today it was learned that 35 aircraft had crossed the center line. #taiwan Passed through the Strait and entered Taiwan's SW ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces The situation is being monitored and response is being given accordingly. pic.twitter.com/DxJ90loGRC

– Ministry of National Defense, ROC 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) 24 May 2024

“Strict vigil! ROC Army, ROC Navy, ROCAF and Coast Guard are taking concerted action to defend #freedom and #democracy!” MND also said.

close monitoring!#rocarmi, #ROCNAVY, #ROCAF And the Coast Guard is taking concrete steps to ensure security #Freedom And #democracy,@mna_roc @YDN_NEWS pic.twitter.com/Ayhb4ayfye

– Ministry of National Defense, ROC 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) 24 May 2024

Emphasizing Taiwan's ability and confidence to ensure its own security and defend its sovereignty, the MND also called on the international community to condemn China's actions it considers irrational. “We have the ability and confidence to ensure our own security and defend our sovereignty. At the same time, we call on the international community to condemn the PRC's irrational actions,” the MND said in a post on X.

The ministry stressed that the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) military exercises, which indicate its hegemonic mindset, have undermined regional peace and stability. “The CCP's military exercises, which highlight its hegemonic mindset, have undermined regional peace and stability. The ROC Armed Forces are ready to defend our country. We do not seek any conflict, but we will not back down from anyone,” it also said.

Despite Taiwan's reluctance to get involved in the 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.

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.

China on Friday began a second day of military drills around Taiwan, focused on testing their ability to “exert power” and control strategic regions, reports Channel News Asia. This is seen as a response to the recent swearing-in of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te.