Taipei [Taiwan], March 21 (ANI): Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence said Saturday it recorded two sorties by PLA aircraft and eight PLAN vessels operating around its territory.
In a post on X, the MND said one of the two aircraft sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s eastern air defence identification zone (ADIZ). “2 sorties of PLA aircraft and 8 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 out of 2 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s eastern part ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded,” it wrote. https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2035159807066534215?s=20
On Friday the MND recorded six PLA aircraft and eight PLAN vessels around Taiwan. On Thursday it reported 12 PLA aircraft, nine PLAN vessels and two official ships operating near the island.
China’s claim over Taiwan stems from historical, political and legal arguments. Beijing maintains Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a position reflected in national policy and domestic law. Taiwan, however, functions with its own government, military and economy and asserts a distinct identity. Its status remains a major international issue touching on sovereignty, self-determination and non-interference, the United Service Institution of India says.
China’s claim traces back to the Qing Dynasty’s annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga, though Qing control was limited. A major change came in 1895, when the Qing ceded Taiwan to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War and Taiwan became a Japanese colony for 50 years. After Japan’s defeat in World War II, Taiwan was returned to Chinese control, but the sovereignty transfer was not formalised.
In 1949 the Chinese Civil War left the People’s Republic of China on the mainland and the Republic of China government on Taiwan, each claiming to be China. Taiwan has operated as a de facto independent state while avoiding a formal declaration of independence to reduce the risk of military conflict with the PRC, the United Service Institution of India states. (ANI)
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