Taiwan

Taiwan's defense ministry reported sighting 28 Chinese military aircraft and 10 naval vessels. Twenty-two of the planes crossed into Taiwan's air defense identification zone in a 24-hour period.

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Of the 28 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), 22 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southeastern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) 

Taiwan's MND on Friday said that it has monitored the situation and responded accordingly.

Responding to China's military action, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity.

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Also read: Taiwan tracks 66 Chinese military aircraft near its territory within a day

Taking to social media handle, X, Taiwan's MND stated, "28 PLA aircraft and 10 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 22 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southeastern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."

This latest incident is part of a growing trend of Chinese military aggression towards Taiwan. Beijing has intensified air and naval operations near the island, including repeated incursions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone.

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Taiwanese MND said on Friday (Aug 8), that 18 Chinese military aircraft and nine naval vessels were operating from 6 am (local time) on Thursday to 6 am (local time) on Friday.

Of the 18 Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), 12 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southeastern and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

Also read: Taiwan FM Joseph Wu speaks to WION on India-Taiwan ties

As per the Taiwan News report, grey zone tactics are "an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one's security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force."

It may be mentioned here, Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.

(With inputs from agencies)