Taiwan tracks 13 Chinese military aircraft, 10 naval and 4 coast guard ships in its vicinity

According to the ministry statement, 13 aircraft of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), 10 ships of China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and four ships of the China Coast Guard (CCG) were seen flying across the country.

Of these, 11 aircraft crossed the median line and entered the country's south-western Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

“As of 6 a.m. today (UTC+8), 13 PLA aircraft, 10 PLA ​​ships and 4 CCG ships were observed flying around Taiwan. 11 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ,” Taiwan's MND said in a post on X.

As of 6 a.m. today (UTC+8), 13 PLA aircraft, 10 PLAN ships and 4 CCG ships were observed flying around Taiwan. 11 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. pic.twitter.com/wNrEzCWMuO

— Ministry of National Defense, ROC 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) May 31, 2024

Earlier, Taiwan tracked 38 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval ships and four coast guard vessels around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Wednesday, May 29, and 6 a.m. on Thursday.

Taiwan responded by monitoring PLA operations with aircraft, naval ships and coastal-based missile systems.

Since September 2020, China has increased its use of grey zone tactics by increasing the number of military aircraft and naval ships operating around Taiwan.

According to Taiwan News, gray zone tactics are defined as “an effort, or series of efforts, beyond steady-state deterrence and reassurance, that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without the use of direct and large-scale force.”

Despite never ruling Taiwan, China's ruling Communist Party considers it part of its territory and has threatened to conquer it by force if necessary. The visit comes days after China carried out 'large-scale' military exercises near Taiwan.

Last week's drills were the largest conducted by China in more than a year, and came just days after Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te was sworn in.