Ten Chinese military aircraft and two navy ships were tracked by Taiwan, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND), between 6 a.m. on Monday (March 20) and 6 a.m.
On Tuesday, these aircraft and ships were tracked, marching towards the country. Taiwan sent aircraft, navy ships, and ground missiles to monitor PLA planes and warships in response to China’s action.
Three of the ten People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft were detected in Taiwan’s air defence identification zone, according to the MND (ADIZ). A Harbin BZK-005 surveillance drone and a Shaanxi Y-8 anti-submarine warfare aircraft penetrated the southwest corner of Taiwan’s ADIZ.
In the southeast portion of the identification zone, one Harbin Z-9 anti-submarine warfare helicopter was additionally observed.
It is important to keep in mind that during this time, no PLA aircraft crossed the Taiwan Sea middle line. Beijing has, however, circulated Taiwan this month with 292 military aircraft and 76 naval vessels.
China has intensified its use of grey zone strategies since September 2020 by routinely dispatching aircraft inside Taiwan’s ADIZ.
Grey zone tactics are “an effort or sequence of efforts that aim to achieve one’s security objectives without resorting to direct and substantial use of force beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance.”
The world community is worried about the situation. Taiwan has received support from the United States and other nations, who have urged China to hold off on military action in the area. Also, the US has strengthened its military presence and collaborated with Taiwan on training exercises.
Concerns over Taiwan’s safety and security have been raised as a result of the escalating tensions in the area. In order to stop further escalation of the crisis, the Taiwanese administration has appealed to the global community.
Although the exact course of events is still uncertain, tensions between China and Taiwan are certainly rising.