Taiwan spots nearly 60 Chinese aircraft and 10 ships near island
Photo: Taiwan recorded Chinese planes and ships (Getty Images)
Taiwan has reported a burst of Chinese military activity, with 57 aircraft and 10 vessels from the People's Liberation Army (PLA) operating near the island, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reports.
As of 6:00 a.m. on August 8, Taiwan’s armed forces detected 57 aircraft, six vessels, and four ships from China's Navy and Coast Guard operating around the island.
According to the Ministry, 38 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers, support planes, and drones, crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, the unofficial maritime border separating the island from mainland China.
The aircraft entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern, and eastern air defense identification zones (ADIZ), dangerously approaching the island from all directions.
Taiwan's Defense Ministry added that no actual airspace violations or intrusions into territorial waters occurred during the operation.
China-Taiwan conflict
Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and does not recognize the legitimacy of the island's government, calling it a separatist regime. Taiwan, meanwhile, maintains that it is a sovereign state with its own political system.
China frequently holds military training in and around the Taiwan Strait, simulating blockades and potential invasion scenarios.
Beijing has also repeatedly stated that it does not rule out the use of force to achieve reunification with the island.
