The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defence (MND) has reported the presence of Chinese military assets near Taiwan. As of 6 a.m. local time on Thursday, 12 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels were detected operating in the vicinity of the island. Ten of the 12 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). In response, Taiwan deployed its own aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor the situation. President Lai Ching-te has previously highlighted China’s use of military intimidation and influence warfare as part of its broader strategy aimed at annexing Taiwan and expanding its influence in the western Pacific. He emphasized that this threat would persist regardless of changes in Taiwan’s government. Addressing the DPP’s national congress, Lai also discussed domestic political challenges, including the opposition-controlled legislature’s actions and the importance of defending Taiwan’s sovereignty and democracy. He emphasized the crucial role of civil society in Taiwan’s democracy.
