Heightened Tensions in Taiwan Strait: Increased Chinese Military Activity and Regional Support

Taipei [Taiwan], November 21: Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) has reported a surge in Chinese military activity around the island. On Monday, 11 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and eight People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were detected near Taiwan, with nine aircraft crossing the median line and entering Taiwan's southwestern and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

In a post on X, the MND confirmed:

"11 PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."

On Wednesday, the MND reported a further increase in activity, detecting 14 Chinese aircraft and six vessels, with seven aircraft crossing the median line into Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern, and southeastern ADIZ. The ministry reiterated its vigilance, stating:

"14 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 7 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern, and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."

To reinforce its maritime security, Taiwan emphasized its commitment, posting on X:

"Always standing on the front line of defending our maritime borders."

International Support for Taiwan

Amid these developments, Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed gratitude towards the US, Japan, and Australia for their joint statement advocating peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The statement followed the 14th Trilateral Defence Ministers' Meeting (TDMM) in Darwin, Australia, where Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles, Japanese Minister of Defense Nakatani Gen, and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin III reaffirmed their support for regional security.

The Taiwan Presidential Office Spokesperson shared the joint statement on X, acknowledging the solidarity among the three nations:

"Presidential Office responds to joint statement following trilateral meeting of US, Japanese, and Australian defence ministers."

With rising tensions in the region, Taiwan continues to bolster its defenses while receiving strong international backing for stability in the Taiwan Strait.