Taipei [Taiwan], April 23 (ANI): Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported detecting 15 sorties of Chinese military aircraft, five People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels and one official ship operating around its territorial waters up to 6 a.m. (UTC+8) on Thursday. Fourteen of the 15 sorties entered Taiwan’s southwestern air defence identification zone (ADIZ).
Posting on X, the MND said: “15 sorties of PLA aircraft, 5 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 14 out of 15 sorties entered Taiwan’s southwestern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the MND had detected six sorties of Chinese military aircraft, five PLAN vessels and one ship operating around Taiwan.
China’s claim over Taiwan is rooted in historical, political and legal arguments, with Beijing asserting that Taiwan is part of China. Taiwan 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 and self-determination.
Historically, China’s claim traces to the Qing Dynasty’s annexation of Taiwan in 1683. Taiwan was ceded to Japan in 1895 after the First Sino-Japanese War and remained a Japanese colony until the end of World War II, when it was returned to Chinese control—though the transfer of sovereignty was not formalised. After the 1949 Chinese Civil War, the People’s Republic of China was established on the mainland while the Republic of China government relocated to Taiwan, resulting in dual sovereignty claims. Taiwan has functioned as a de facto independent state but has avoided declaring formal independence to prevent military confrontation with the PRC. (ANI)
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