Taiwan on Alert: 95 PLA Aircraft and Vessels Detected Amidst Chinese Military Exercises

China's Show of Force: Military Drills Near Taiwan Spark Increased Vigilance.

Taipei, Taiwan – The Ministry of National Defense (MND) of Taiwan reported the detection of a significant presence of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and vessels near Taiwan during a 24-hour period between Tuesday and Wednesday.

The MND announced that 95 PLA aircraft and vessels were monitored in the vicinity of Taiwan. The activities coincided with joint military exercises conducted by the PLA, involving the army, navy, air force, and rocket forces. China stated these exercises were a "stern warning and forceful deterrent against 'Taiwanese independence' separatist forces."

The report indicated that 76 PLA aircraft were detected, including 27 that crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, 15 Chinese naval vessels and four government ships were identified.

Taiwan's MND affirmed its close monitoring of the Chinese operations, deploying aircraft, vessels, and shore-based missile systems in response to the PLA's activities.

Furthermore, the MND reported the Shandong aircraft carrier engaged in operations approximately 220 nautical miles southeast of Taiwan on Tuesday. Between 10 a.m. and 4:20 p.m., 14 Chinese fighter aircraft and helicopters were detected southeast of Taiwan, outside of Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). These aerial movements were likely associated with the Shandong's operations, the MND said.