Taiwan detects 35 sorties of Chinese aircraft, 8 vessels in its territory

Taipei: In a significant escalation of regional tensions, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported the detection of 35 sorties by Chinese military aircraft and 8 People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels operating near its territory within a 24-hour period.

According to the ministry’s official statement released on Tuesday, 19 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). These incursions have become increasingly frequent in recent years, raising serious concerns among Taiwan’s defense officials and international allies.

The aircraft reportedly included J-10, J-16 fighter jets, KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft, and Y-8 reconnaissance planes. The naval vessels were seen conducting joint combat readiness patrols in coordination with the air missions.

In response, Taiwan scrambled fighter jets, deployed missile defense systems, and monitored the situation closely using both sea and air surveillance assets. The defense ministry emphasized that it is fully prepared to defend Taiwan’s sovereignty and urged Beijing to cease provocative military actions.

This latest incursion marks one of the highest numbers of aircraft in a single day this year, signaling China’s continued pressure on the self-governed island. Analysts believe it may be part of a broader strategy to test Taiwan’s military endurance and response readiness.

Beijing views Taiwan as a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. However, Taiwan maintains that it is an independent nation and has ramped up its defense partnerships, particularly with the United States and Japan.

The United States has repeatedly expressed support for Taiwan’s right to self-defense and has urged China to refrain from destabilizing actions in the Indo-Pacific region.

Tensions have been simmering in the Taiwan Strait for months, and experts warn that these frequent incursions increase the risk of miscalculation and unintended conflict. The international community continues to watch the developments closely, with calls for restraint and dialogue from global leaders.