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Taiwan – Taiwan’s defense authorities reported heightened military movements around the island early Thursday, identifying multiple aircraft and naval vessels from China operating near its territorial boundaries.

Increased Air and Naval Presence Detected

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, a total of 17 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval ships, and one official vessel were tracked in the vicinity of Taiwan as of 6 a.m. local time. Officials said that 14 of the 17 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial boundary that has long served as a buffer between the two sides.

The aircraft reportedly entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and southeastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The ministry stated that it closely observed the movements and implemented appropriate responses in line with standard operating procedures. The details were shared through an official update on social media platform X.

Taiwan’s ADIZ is not considered sovereign airspace but is monitored to identify potential threats. Crossings of the median line are seen as particularly sensitive due to the line’s historical role in maintaining relative stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Similar Activity Reported a Day Earlier

The latest developments follow a similar report issued Wednesday. At that time, Taiwan’s defense ministry detected nine Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels, and one official ship operating near the island.

Of those nine aircraft, six crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and southeastern ADIZ, according to the ministry’s statement. As with Thursday’s activity, Taiwan confirmed that its armed forces monitored the situation and responded as necessary.

The repeated incursions within a short span of time underscore continuing military pressure in the region. Over the past few years, Taiwan has reported a steady rise in the number of Chinese aircraft and ships operating near its airspace and surrounding waters.

Political Tensions Add to Security Concerns

The military developments coincide with renewed political messaging from Beijing regarding cross-strait relations. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) recently dismissed China’s latest appeal for what it describes as “reunification,” characterizing it as a continuation of Beijing’s longstanding position.

The response came after Wang Huning, a senior leader within the Chinese Communist Party and chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, addressed China’s annual Taiwan Work Conference earlier this week.

During the meeting, Wang emphasized advancing what he termed the “great cause of national reunification.” According to Chinese state media outlet Xinhua, he pledged firm backing for groups in Taiwan that support closer ties with Beijing and reaffirmed efforts to oppose what China calls separatist movements.

Wang reiterated adherence to the “one China” principle and referenced the “1992 consensus,” frameworks that Beijing views as central to managing relations with Taiwan. He also stated that authorities would counter what they consider external interference in Taiwan-related matters.

Ongoing Cross-Strait Strain

Relations between Taiwan and China remain complex and sensitive. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory, while Taipei maintains its own government, military, and democratic political system.

Military activity around Taiwan has become a recurring feature of cross-strait dynamics, drawing attention from regional stakeholders and the broader international community. Analysts note that such operations often coincide with political statements or significant diplomatic events.

Taiwan’s government continues to emphasize vigilance while seeking to maintain stability. Officials have repeatedly stated that they will defend the island’s security and democratic system, while also calling for peaceful dialogue.

As activity in the Taiwan Strait persists, observers are closely watching how both sides manage tensions in the coming weeks.