'Undermining The Rules Based International Order': Taiwan On Chinese PLA Aircraft, Naval Ships Surrounding The Island Nation

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported on Friday (13 December) that 12 Chinese military aircraft, 14 naval vessels, and 9 official ships were detected operating in the vicinity of Taiwan.

The MND disclosed the details in a post on X, stating: "12 PLA aircraft, 14 PLAN vessels and 9 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 6 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

This announcement follows a similar report from Thursday (11 December), where 34 Chinese military aircraft and 16 naval vessels were observed near Taiwan.

In another post on X, the MND said: "34 PLA aircraft and 16 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 22 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly.”

These incidents reflect a continuing trend of escalated military manoeuvres by China in Taiwan's proximity, amplifying concerns about regional stability.

In response to the heightened activity, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence has initiated war-preparedness drills at critical locations across the island.

Additionally, the ministry is working in close coordination with the Coast Guard Administration to implement appropriate countermeasures.

The ministry further said in a post on X, "The threat posed by #PLA to Taiwan and the region has escalated from coercion to directly affecting the First Island Chain, undermining the rules-based international order. #ROCArmedForces continue to forge our capabilities and deter war."

The Taiwan-China conflict remains a deeply complex and protracted geopolitical issue centred on Taiwan's sovereignty.

While Taiwan—officially the Republic of China (ROC)—functions as a de facto independent state with its own government, military, and economy, Beijing views the island as a breakaway province under the "One China" policy, which posits that there is only one China, governed from Beijing.

China has repeatedly emphasised its objective of reunification with Taiwan, employing a combination of diplomatic, economic, and military pressure to isolate Taiwan on the global stage.

However, Taiwan continues to assert its independence, bolstered by significant public support for maintaining its current status and assistance from US.

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