China Sends More Military Aircraft and Ships Into Taiwan Strait

The Ministry of National Defense released today a summary of People’s Republic of China (PRC) naval and aerial activity, counting from 0600 hours yesterday to 0600 hours this morning. During that period, eight PRC warships, two government vessels and seven aircraft were detected crossing the Taiwan Strait’s median line and intruding on northern and central Taiwanese airspace, incidents that have drawn heightened attention to regional security. The Armed Forces employed mission aircraft, naval assets and shore‑based missile systems to monitor and respond, ensuring the safety of national airspace.

Since September 2020, the PRC has gradually escalated its military actions toward Taiwan, repeatedly dispatching aircraft and ships into Taiwan’s air and sea zones, prompting a state of high alert for the Taiwanese Armed Forces. This year, the frequency of such incursions has increased further, leading the military to maintain close surveillance and adopt appropriate response measures to safeguard national airspace.

According to the Ministry’s data, from 1 January of this year through the present, the PRC has conducted more than 300 aircraft incursions into the Taiwan Strait airspace, deployed over 150 warships, and sent more than 50 government vessels. These activities are viewed as threats not only to Taiwan’s territorial air and maritime security but also to regional peace and stability. The Armed Forces are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Ministry of National Defense and other relevant agencies, implementing suitable response actions to protect national airspace.

In the latest set of movements, the Ministry identified eight PRC warships, two government vessels and seven aircraft that crossed the median line. The warships included one Type 054 frigate, one Type 053H3 frigate, one Type 071 amphibious transport dock, two additional Type 071 amphibious transport docks, one Type 056 destroyer, one Type 072 supply ship and one government vessel. The aircraft comprised two J‑11 fighter jets, one J‑16 fighter jet, one KJ‑500 airborne early warning aircraft and three Y‑8 anti‑submarine aircraft.

The Armed Forces continue to monitor these incursions closely, employing mission aircraft, naval platforms and shore‑based missile systems in their response. The Ministry of National Defense affirmed that the military will persist in its rigorous surveillance and counter‑measures against PRC provocations to maintain the security of Taiwan’s airspace. It also reiterated the commitment to cooperate with the Ministry and other pertinent agencies in taking appropriate actions to safeguard national airspace.

Against this backdrop, Taiwan’s armed forces will remain on high alert, prepared to address any potential threats. The Ministry of National Defense called on the PRC to cease its incursions and respect the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. (Source: Central News Agency)