Taiwan Reports 10 Chinese Aircraft, 6 Ships Operating Close to Island

At least 10 Chinese military aircraft and six Chinese naval vessels were detected operating around its territorial waters as of 6 am (local time) on Tuesday, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence confirmed.

Taiwan MND’s Statement

In a post on X, the MND said, “10 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 out of 10 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

On Monday, Taiwan’s MND detected six Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels. In a post on X, the MND said, “6 sorties of PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 out of 6 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

Meanwhile, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged Western nations to have the “courage” to stand with Taiwan and “deepen” their economic partnership with the island nation, as China intensifies its pressure on Taiwan, according to the Taipei Times.

Last week, speaking at the 9th Ketagalan Forum 2025 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue in Taipei on Tuesday, Johnson emphasised the importance of backing Taiwan’s democracy and innovation. Johnson stressed the need for peaceful dialogue across the Taiwan Strait, asking why Beijing feels compelled to conquer a nation that poses no threat, and reiterated that his mission in Taiwan is to affirm Western solidarity. 

According to Taipei Times, the former UK PM stated, “Why is it essential to conquer Taiwan… We are with you. We stand with you… As China intensifies its pressure on Taiwan, I hope that we all — the West, America, the UK and all Europeans — will have the courage not to tiptoe away, not to be cowed by our desire to be deferential to Beijing, but to stand with Taiwan and deepen our economic partnership.” (ANI)

ALSO READ:  Taiwan Rebukes China: ROC Is “Sole Legal Government,” Not Subordinate to PRC