Taiwan Monitors Increased Chinese Military Activity

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported a significant uptick in Chinese military activity, detecting 13 PLA aircraft and 10 naval vessels on August 16, with 11 aircraft crossing the Taiwan Strait median line into Taiwan's air defence identification zone (ADIZ). This was part of a broader trend, as Taiwan has tracked over 300 PLA aircraft and around 200 Chinese ships in August alone, indicating a persistent pattern of incursions. In response to the latest incursions, Taiwan has deployed aircraft, naval ships, and missile systems to monitor Chinese activities. China has been intensifying its military operations around Taiwan, following increased tensions since former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit in 2022. Taiwan considers itself independent since 1949, while China maintains that it is part of its territory. The situation highlights ongoing regional tensions and China's use of gray zone tactics to assert its claims over Taiwan.