- Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported detecting dozens of Chinese aircraft and naval vessels around the island on the first day of PLA military exercises.
- Taiwan’s armed forces conducted rapid response exercises and placed joint sea and air operations, including the coast guard, on high alert.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense on Monday reported detecting dozens of Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels operating around the island on the first day of abruptly announced Chinese military exercises.
In a statement, the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China (Taiwan) said the activity was observed as the People’s Liberation Army began large-scale drills in surrounding airspace and waters. The ministry said the movements involved both air and naval assets operating in multiple directions around Taiwan.
“In response to today’s PLA aircraft and naval activity, the ROC Armed Forces conducted Rapid Response Exercises and closely monitored the situation,” the ministry said in its statement. “Joint sea and air operations with all services and the Taiwan Coast Guard remain on high alert.”
According to the ministry, Taiwanese forces activated joint operational procedures across the army, navy, and air force to track and respond to the Chinese movements. The Coast Guard Administration was also integrated into the response posture as part of coordinated maritime security operations.
The Chinese activity coincided with the launch of new PLA exercises announced earlier in the day by China’s Eastern Theater Command. Those drills include coordinated air and naval operations around Taiwan and form part of what Beijing has described as a multi-service training event.
Taiwan’s defense authorities did not provide an exact breakdown of the number of aircraft and vessels detected but described the scale as involving dozens of platforms. The ministry said surveillance assets were used to maintain situational awareness throughout the day.
The Ministry of National Defense emphasized that its response measures were defensive in nature and focused on maintaining readiness, monitoring developments, and ensuring the safety of Taiwan’s airspace and surrounding waters. Officials urged the public to remain calm as the military continued its monitoring operations.
Taiwan has repeatedly criticized China’s military exercises near the island as destabilizing and a risk to regional security. The government in Taipei says such activities increase the likelihood of miscalculation and place pressure on civilian aviation and maritime traffic.