Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) on Thursday reported the detection of 14 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, five People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels, and one official ship operating in areas surrounding its territory.
In a post on X, the MND said the incursions were recorded up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8). All 14 aircraft reportedly crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
“14 PLA aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. today. 14 out of 14 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded,” the MND wrote.
Such incursions have become frequent in recent months, underlining the escalating tensions between Taiwan and China. While Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), governs itself with independent political and economic systems, Beijing claims it under the “One China” principle, insisting Taiwan is an inseparable part of its territory.
The roots of the dispute date back to 1949, when the ROC government retreated to Taiwan following its defeat in the Chinese Civil War, as the Communist Party under Mao Zedong took control of mainland China. Since then, Beijing has pursued reunification through diplomatic isolation, military pressure, and economic leverage.
Despite these pressures, Taiwan continues to maintain its de facto independence, bolstered by strong domestic support, and regularly publicizes Chinese military activities to ensure transparency and national security awareness.