Taiwan closely monitored Chinese military activity around its airspace and waters between Tuesday morning and Wednesday morning. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND), 21 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels operated near the island during this 24-hour period. Notably, 17 of these aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
In response to the Chinese military activity, Taiwan quickly scrambled aircraft and dispatched naval ships. Additionally, coastal-based missile systems deployed along the coast actively tracked the movements of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). The Ministry of National Defense emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to maintaining vigilance and ensuring national security amid these ongoing challenges.
The frequency of Chinese military activity has surged this month. So far, Taiwan has recorded 322 incursions by Chinese military aircraft and 137 by naval vessels. Since September 2020, China has steadily intensified its gray zone tactics around Taiwan. These tactics fall short of full-scale military aggression but still apply pressure without triggering open conflict.
Gray zone tactics refer to strategies that attempt to achieve security goals through limited and ambiguous actions. These efforts avoid large-scale direct force, aiming instead to wear down the opponent through persistent challenges. Experts warn that the increase in Chinese military activity highlights a clear effort to test Taiwan’s defenses while avoiding outright war.
Despite the rise in tensions, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense continues to monitor every move closely. The government maintains a strong stance and readiness to respond to any threats quickly. Furthermore, Taiwan’s coordinated use of air, naval, and missile assets signals a robust defense posture.
In conclusion, the repeated Chinese military activity near Taiwan reflects a growing regional security concern. Taiwan’s vigilance and rapid responses aim to deter further provocations while safeguarding its sovereignty in an increasingly complex security environment.
