News Brief
Taiwan Reports PLA Aircraft Crossing Median Line, 8 Chinese Military Movements Detected Near Island
Taiwan tracks 5 Chinese naval ships, 3 military aircraft
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Monday (20 October) reported fresh Chinese military activity near the island, with multiple aircraft and vessels operating in surrounding waters.
In a post on X, the MND stated, “3 sorties of PLA aircraft and 5 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 out of 3 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded.”
In response, Taiwan deployed combat aircraft, naval ships, and coastal-based missile systems to closely monitor and respond to the situation.
The median line of the Taiwan Strait serves as a de facto buffer between Taiwan and mainland China. However, recent years have seen frequent incursions by Chinese military aircraft, which Taipei views as part of Beijing’s pressure tactics.
The MND data shows that so far in October, Taiwan has detected 229 Chinese military aircraft and 143 naval vessels operating near its airspace and waters. Officials said these movements form part of Beijing’s ongoing “gray zone” tactics — actions designed to wear down Taiwan’s defences without triggering open conflict.
Gray zone tactics are defined as “an effort or series of efforts beyond steady-state deterrence and assurance that attempts to achieve one’s security objectives without resort to direct and sizable use of force.”
Taiwan has repeatedly condemned these manoeuvres, calling them destabilising and a threat to regional security.
The relationship between Taiwan and China remains one of the most sensitive and complex geopolitical issues in the world.
China considers Taiwan a breakaway province that must eventually be reunified with the mainland, by force if necessary.
At the same time, Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), functions as a self-governing democracy with its own government, military, and constitution.
