The Ministry of National Defence (MND) in Taiwan has raised alarms as it observed a significant increase in Chinese military activity around the nation’s airspace and waters. Within a span of 24 hours, Taiwan’s MND detected a total of 13 Chinese military aircraft and six navy vessels operating in the region.
This surge in Chinese military presence follows closely behind the previous day’s detection of an even larger number, with 36 Chinese aircraft and six naval vessels spotted within the same timeframe. According to the MND, these vessels and military aircraft were detected between Friday 6 am and Saturday 6 am (local time).
In a statement released by the MND, it was disclosed that four of the aircraft had entered Taiwan’s Southwest Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The Republic of China Armed Forces (ROCArmedForces) swiftly responded to the situation, monitoring the developments closely and deploying appropriate forces.
This recent escalation in Chinese military activity adds to a trend that has been ongoing since September 2020. China has been increasingly utilizing what are referred to as “gray zone tactics” by incrementally raising the number of military aircraft and naval ships operating in proximity to Taiwan.
Gray zone tactics are characterized as efforts beyond typical deterrence and assurance strategies, aimed at achieving security objectives without resorting to direct and large-scale use of force.
Thursday’s military activity report revealed that Taiwan had detected 32 Chinese aircraft and five PLAN vessels within 24 hours, with 20 of the aircraft breaching Taiwan’s SW, SE, and Eastern ADIZ.
As tensions continue to escalate, Taiwan remains vigilant in monitoring its airspace and waters, while reinforcing its commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity amidst mounting challenges from its neighbor across the Taiwan Strait.
