Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense on Friday reported fresh military activity by China near the island, saying that six Chinese military aircraft and ten naval vessels were detected operating around Taiwan’s territory within a 24-hour period. According to the ministry, the activity was recorded until 6 a.m. local time on May 22.
The Taiwanese defense ministry stated that all six aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The aircraft reportedly moved through the northern, southwestern, and eastern sectors of the zone. Taiwan’s armed forces monitored the movements closely and responded by deploying aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems.
The latest development comes amid continuing tensions between China and Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan a part of its territory and has repeatedly increased military pressure around the island over the past few years. Taiwan, however, maintains its own democratic government and military and rejects China’s sovereignty claims.
Military analysts say such operations are part of what is often described as “grey zone tactics,” where pressure is applied without direct conflict. China has significantly increased air and naval activities near Taiwan since 2022, including regular crossings of the median line and repeated entries into Taiwan’s ADIZ.
Just a day earlier, Taiwan had reported seven Chinese aircraft sorties, seven naval vessels, and one official ship near its waters. Earlier this week, Taiwan also detected 24 Chinese aircraft operating around the island, highlighting the growing frequency of these military movements.
Taiwan’s government has repeatedly warned that China’s military actions are increasing instability in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwanese officials argue that the continuous presence of Chinese warships and aircraft near the island threatens regional peace and raises concerns for international shipping and air traffic in nearby waters.
China has not officially commented on Friday’s reported activity, but Beijing often describes such missions as routine military exercises intended to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The situation continues to draw international attention as tensions across the Taiwan Strait remain one of the most sensitive geopolitical issues in Asia.
