Taiwan Monitors Six Chinese Warships and Two Military Aircraft Near Its Territory

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported the presence of two military aircraft and six warships belonging to China around Taiwan between 6 a.m. Thursday and 6 a.m. Friday.

The ministry added that the two planes from the People's Liberation Army entered the country's southwestern air defense identification zone, according to Taiwan News on Friday.

In response, Taiwan deployed warplanes, naval vessels, and coastal missile systems to monitor the activities of the Chinese People's Liberation Army.

So far this month, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense has recorded 192 Chinese military aircraft incursions and 283 naval vessel appearances. Since September 2020, China has progressively increased its use of gray-zone tactics by raising the number of military aircraft and naval ships operating around Taiwan.

The International Institute for Strategic Studies defines gray-zone tactics as "an effort or series of efforts that exceed fixed deterrence and ensure a state's security objectives without resorting to direct and massive use of force."

Chinese warships and military aircraft frequently conduct maneuvers near Taiwan and engage in military exercises.

Last Tuesday, China's newest and most powerful aircraft carrier among its three passed through the Taiwan Strait, one day after Taiwan began five-day military drills intended to prepare for any Chinese attack, according to Taiwan's Ministry of Defense.

On December 31, the Chinese People's Liberation Army announced it had "successfully completed two days of military exercises" called the "Justice Mission" in waters off Taiwan. This concluded a series of high-intensity drills aimed at asserting sovereignty over the island, which China considers part of its mainland territory to be reclaimed by force if necessary. The Chinese military described the exercises as a serious warning against any moves toward Taiwan's independence.