Tensions Escalate: Taiwan Reports Surge in PLA Activity

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported increased Chinese military activity, detecting numerous PLA aircraft and vessels around its territory. The ROC Armed Forces have been actively monitoring and preparing responses, intensifying regional tensions alongside China’s planned missile exercises in the Yellow Sea.

In a significant escalation, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence disclosed on Saturday that it identified 18 sorties of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and seven naval vessels operating near its territory. The report also confirmed that 12 of these aircraft crossed the median line, entering Taiwan's northern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

The Republic of China (ROC) Armed Forces responded promptly, deploying Combat Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor and address the situation. The Ministry emphasized their commitment to regional security through these defensive measures.

Tensions heightened further with China announcing live-fire missile exercises in the central Yellow Sea, scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday. This announcement follows Taiwan's accusations that China is stirring tensions with Japan, coupled with a controversial travel warning to its citizens in Japan, reflecting geopolitical strains.

(With inputs from agencies.)