Taiwan’s military heightened its alert on Monday, establishing an emergency response center after nearly 90 Chinese naval and coast guard ships moved near Taiwan. These vessels operated around the Taiwan Strait, the southern Japanese islands, and the East and South China Seas.
Simultaneously, six Chinese aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line, entering Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the north, southwest, and east. Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) designated seven restricted airspace zones near Zhejiang and Fujian provinces.
In response, Taiwan initiated combat readiness drills, factoring in enemy threats, weather, and tactical positioning. Taiwan’s defense units remain on high alert, with the military closely monitoring the PLA’s movements.
China’s presence near Taiwan has steadily increased. From January to August 2024, PLA air incursions surged from 36 to 193, while naval operations around Taiwan doubled, rising from 142 to 282. Taiwan’s navy commander, Admiral Tang Hua, warned that China was advancing slowly but deliberately, with growing capability to blockade Taiwan.
This escalation underscores Beijing’s long-standing claim over Taiwan, which has operated as an independent democracy since 1949. Taiwan continues to strengthen its defenses amid growing pressure from the PLA.
