Taipei [Taiwan], October 16 (ANI): Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) has said that 22 Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels were detected operating around Taiwan until 6 am (local time) on Wednesday.
Of the 22 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 13 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).
In response to China's actions, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity.
In a post on X, Taiwan's MND stated, "22 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."
22 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly. pic.twitter.com/8fZfJtt3vQ
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) October 16, 2024
China's latest military incursion around Taiwan is seen as part of a broader pattern of provocations that have intensified in recent months.
Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.
On Monday, Taiwan strongly condemned the 'Joint Sword-2024B' military drill around its territory by China and accused Beijing of challenging the rules-based international order and gravely undermining regional peace and stability.
"Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has noted that China on October 14 launched its so-called Joint Sword-2024B military drill around Taiwan, once again challenging the rules-based international order and gravely undermining regional peace and stability. MOFA strongly condemns China and urges it to pull back and immediately cease its military provocations," Taiwan's Foreign Ministry stated.
In his National Day address, President Lai Ching-te expressed goodwill to China and called for it to act responsibly and work with Taiwan to maintain the prevailing state of peace, stability, and prosperity. However, China remains "determined to intimidate the people of Taiwan" through military exercises and is attempting to threaten Taiwan's democracy and unilaterally disrupt the status quo of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and throughout the region.
"MOFA solemnly denounces China and urges it to neither use false pretexts aimed at justifying disagreement and strife nor become a troublemaker that undermines regional peace and stability," it added.
Taiwan's Foreign Ministry also called on other nations to recognize China's "authoritarian and expansionist nature," and take concrete actions to support democratic Taiwan at this critical moment. It also urged them to unite in defending the values of freedom and democracy, and safeguard the rules-based international order, as well as the freedom, openness, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region.
Taiwan's Foreign Ministry's statement came after China launched large-scale military drills around Taiwan on Monday, simulating strikes on sea and land targets, The Washington Post reported.
Command spokesman Li Xi stated that the exercises launched by China would "test the joint operations capabilities" of the Chinese military's Eastern Theater Command and would serve as "a stern warning to the separatist acts of 'Taiwan independence' forces". (ANI)
You may also like
What is the difference between the Ayushman Card and the Abha Health ID card? Know its benefits
RG Kar rape-murder: Resident doctors in Delhi to protest outside Bengal Bhawan
Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal set to launch AAP public outreach campaign today
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca and staff face huge problem after £30m Todd Boehly bill
Newcastle 'explosion': Several homes damaged in blast as gas engineers flood to scene
"Already declared that our leader will be...": Haryana BJP MLA on legislature party meeting
'Amazing' cleaning hack banishes dirt from 'disaster rug' to make it look brand new
10 Self-Help Books That Have Stood The Test of Time
Bihar by-elections: Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj to announce candidates today
ECI disqualifies five candidates of Punjab 2022 Assembly polls
Canadian Air Force plane ferries stranded Air India passengers from Iqaluit airport to Chicago
China refuses to renounce force over Taiwan, targets 'external interference'
Odisha Congress Leader Files Dowry Harassment Case Against Husband
Dubai: Gold prices jump over Dh2 per gram in early trade
"Unemployment will be our govt's top priority in J-K," says NC leader Sheikh Bashir Ahmad
Gold slipped from record high before Diwali, silver also became cheaper, know the price of your city
With Learnings From WPL And Australia, Kiran Navgire Eager To Make Domestic Season Count
New Captain For Team India? BCCI To Decide On Harmanpreet Kaur's Future After T20 World Cup Debacle: Report
Explained! How Bengaluru Rain Can Dampen India's Hopes Of World Test Championship Final
SCO Summit: EAM Jaishankar & Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's 2nd handshake in 12 hours sets internet abuzz| WATCH