Taipei [Taiwan], December 29 : Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) on Sunday reported the presence of five Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels operating near the island.
In a post shared on X, the MND stated, "Five PLA aircraft and five PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. Three of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."
5 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 3 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly. pic.twitter.com/QQtU3pAF93— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) December 29, 2024
Military activity was also reported on Saturday when seven Chinese military aircraft and five naval vessels were around its territory.
"7 PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly," the MND said in a post on X.
Earlier, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence took to X to share the opening of New Barracks of the ROC Armed FoArmy Airborne Training Center. It noted that with next generation training methods and gear, the base would equip the army paratroopers and special warfare warriors to enhance their combat capabilities.
}}}}New barracks of the #ROCArmedForce Army Airborne Training Center opened to the press for the first time, showcasing next-generation training methods and gear. This base will equip #ArmyParatroopers and #SpecialWarfarewarriors with airborne skills to enhance combat capabilities. pic.twitter.com/54QGR6Dei0— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) December 22, 2024
Recently, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also criticised China's stance towards Taiwan and said that "China is bullying Taiwan, and pursuing access to critical infrastructure in ways that could cripple societies.
"He said, "We need to be clear-eyed about China's ambitions. China is substantially building up its forces, including its nuclear weapons - with no transparency and no limitations. From 200 warheads in 2020, China is expected to have more than 1,000 nuclear weapons by 2030. Its space-launch investments are skyrocketing. China is bullying Taiwan, and pursuing access to our critical infrastructure in ways that could cripple our societies.
"The Taiwan Strait remains a focal point of heightened tensions, with Taiwanese officials repeatedly condemning the increase in Chinese military operations as a direct threat to the island's sovereignty and regional peace. However, China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.
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