The Taiwan Ministry of Defence reported a notable presence of Chinese military activity surrounding the nation, with both military aircraft and vessels observed operating in the vicinity. According to the ministry, 62 aircraft from the China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) and 27 vessels from the China's People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) were detected in the area around Taiwan.

The Taiwan Ministry of Defence reported that out of the total 62 PLA aircraft and 27 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan up until 6 a.m., 47 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwest, southeast, and eastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

In response, the Taiwan Armed Forces monitored the situation and took appropriate action. This information was shared by the Taiwan Ministry of Defence in a post on X.

Central News Agency Taiwan (CNA) reported that the US State Department stated it was closely monitoring the situation in coordination with Taiwan, following Beijing's commencement of two days of military exercises in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding regions.

A State Department spokesperson, in an email response to CNA, expressed concern over reports of joint military exercises conducted by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas. The spokesperson highlighted that China's actions risk escalating tensions and undermining longstanding regional peace and stability norms.

Emphasising that Taiwan's political transition is a regular aspect of its democratic process, the spokesperson urged China not to exploit it as a pretext for provocative or coercive actions. Additionally, the spokesperson conveyed confidence in the current force posture and operations of the US in the region to uphold peace, stability, and fulfil its national security commitments.

China's military exercises in the Taiwan Strait prompted the island nation's Ministry of National Defense (MND) to report a notable presence of Chinese military aircraft and vessels near its territory. The MND asserted Taiwan's capability and confidence in ensuring its security and safeguarding its sovereignty. Additionally, it urged the international community to condemn what it described as China's irrational actions.

The Ministry stressed that the military exercises conducted by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) signified a hegemonic mindset, leading to the erosion of regional peace and stability. "The CCP's military exercises, indicative of its hegemonic mindset, have undermined regional peace and stability," the Ministry highlighted.

It further affirmed that the ROC Armed Forces stand prepared to defend the country, emphasising a preference for peace while expressing readiness to confront any conflicts if necessary.

Despite Taiwan's aversion to conflict, the ROC Armed Forces have reaffirmed their preparedness to defend the country. While expressing a preference to avoid conflicts, Taiwan has made it unequivocally clear that it will not hesitate to defend itself against any acts of aggression.

Image source: ANI