PLA Aircraft and Vessels Detected Near Taiwan: MND

The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defence announced the detection of 29 PLA aircraft sorties and 6 PLAN vessels operating near Taiwan on Friday. The MND reported via a post on X that 17 of the aircraft sorties breached the median line and entered Taiwan’s ADIZ. The MND stated it is monitoring and has responded to the situation. These events align with a recent increase in Chinese military maneuvers near Taiwan. President Lai Ching-te has also instructed the Taiwanese military to bolster its security surveillance. He noted that recent events in West Asia have not diminished China’s pressure on Taiwan, highlighting the recent activity of the Chinese aircraft carriers, the Shandong and Liaoning. President Lai also stated that Taiwan must maintain close contact with its allies and closely monitor the security situation, referencing the increased Force Protection Condition level set by the United States Indo-Pacific Command.