Taiwan on alert as heightened Chinese incursions reported around strait

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 41 Chinese aircraft and nine Chinese vessels around its territorial waters as of 6am (local time) Thursday.

Of the 41 aircraft, 30 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ (Air Defence Identification Zone).

In a post on X, the MND said, "41 sorties of PLA aircraft and 9 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 30 out of 41 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded.

Earlier on Wednesday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected additional 25 sorties of Chinese aircraft.

Out of 25 sorties, 16 crossed the median line and entered the strait's northern, central, eastern and southwestern ADIZ.

In a post on X, the MND said, "Overall 25 sorties of PLA aircraft in various types (including J-16, KJ-500, etc.) were detected from 0925hr today. 16 out of 25 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, eastern and southwestern ADIZ in conducting air-sea joint training along with other PLAN vessels. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."

Earlier in the day, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) detected 53 Chinese aircraft and eight Chinese naval vessels operating around its territory.

In a post on X, the MND said, "53 sorties of PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 37 out of 53 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."

Meanwhile, the ministry stated that the Han Kuang exercises are scheduled to be held from July 9 to 18.

For the first time, two of China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and the Shandong, have simultaneously operated in the Western Pacific, crossing the second island chain in what analysts call a major strategic escalation, according to Taipei Times.