Taipei [Taiwan], March 29 (ANI): Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense detected 19 sorties of Chinese military aircraft, nine naval vessels and two official ships operating around its territorial waters as of 6 a.m. (local time) on Sunday.
Of the 19 sorties, 13 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern and eastern air defence identification zone (ADIZ).
In a post on X, the MND said, “19 sorties of PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 out of 19 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded.”
Taiwan’s MND on Saturday also reported 15 sorties of Chinese aircraft detected as of 11:21 hours. Of those, 11 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, southwestern and eastern ADIZ while conducting air-sea joint training with other PLAN vessels.
The MND posted on X: “Overall 15 sorties of PLA aircraft in various types (including J-10, J-16, KJ-500, etc.) detected from 1121 hr today. 11 out of 15 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, southwestern and eastern part ADIZ in conducting air-sea joint training along with other PLAN vessels. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”
China’s claim over Taiwan is rooted in historical, political and legal arguments. Beijing maintains Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a position reflected in national policy and domestic laws. Taiwan, however, operates with its own government, military and economy and maintains a distinct identity. The island’s status remains a contentious international issue involving questions of sovereignty, self-determination and non-interference, the United Service Institution of India notes.
USI traces China’s claim to Taiwan to the Qing Dynasty’s annexation in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga. Taiwan remained peripheral under Qing control until 1895, when the Qing ceded the island to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War. Taiwan was a Japanese colony for 50 years and was returned to Chinese control after World War II, though the sovereignty transfer was never formalised. In 1949, the Chinese Civil War led to the establishment of the People’s Republic of China on the mainland while the Republic of China retreated to Taiwan, each asserting claims of sovereignty. Taiwan has functioned as a de facto independent state but has avoided declaring formal independence to prevent military conflict with the PRC, United Service Institution of India. (ANI)
(This content is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received. The Tribune assumes no responsibility or liability for its accuracy, completeness, or content.)
