taipei. Taiwan's Defense Ministry on Sunday noted an increase in China's military activities around the island. According to the ministry, four aircraft of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA), six ships of the Navy (PLAN) and two government ships were found operating around Taiwan during the last 24 hours.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said in a statement released on social media platform X that these activities were detected by 6 am on Sunday. According to the ministry, two of the four Chinese military aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern air defense identification zone (ADIZ). Taiwan's armed forces monitored these activities and conducted necessary counter-surveillance.
Earlier on November 3, Taiwan had accused China's Coast Guard of harassing ships near its east coast and asserting its alleged rights over the maritime zone. taipei times According to the report, China has been increasing regular maritime patrols off the east coast of Taiwan since June. In response, Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) has deployed its ships for surveillance.
Taiwanese officials have feared that China's increased maritime activities may be part of preparations for a possible naval blockade. Military, paramilitary and civilian ships can be used in this. For Taiwan, its eastern sea region is strategically important, because in the event of conflict, this region can play an important role in maintaining supply routes.
The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration has reiterated that the Republic of China (ROC) is a sovereign and independent country and that China and Taiwan are not subordinate to each other. The agency has described China's activities as a violation of international law and a threat to regional peace and stability.
According to the report, China's activities have also increased around the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands (Dongsha Islands). Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration said that on Saturday, another Chinese coast guard ship reached near these islands. So far this year, Taiwan has expelled Chinese coast guard vessels from Pratas waters 13 times.
At a security forum held in Taipei on Saturday, maritime expert Pai Pang-ting said China was challenging Taiwan's jurisdiction through its maritime activities. According to him, apart from military ships, China is also using coast guard, research and fishing vessels.
He said China has repeatedly tried to present maritime entry as a normal administrative activity, thereby gradually limiting Taiwan's jurisdiction in the sea. Taiwan has clarified that it will continuously monitor its maritime activities and continue to take necessary steps to protect its waters.