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Taipei, Taiwan | Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) has reported detecting a substantial presence of Chinese military assets operating around the island. As of Sunday morning, 11 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and one official ship were observed in the vicinity. This comes amidst ongoing concerns in Taipei regarding Beijing's assertive posture towards Taiwan's sovereignty.
Chinese Incursions and Taiwan's Response
Nine of the 11 detected Chinese aircraft sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan's southwestern and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The median line traditionally serves as an unofficial buffer between Taiwan and mainland China.
In response to these incursions, Taiwan's armed forces swiftly deployed its own aircraft, naval ships, and coastal missile systems to monitor the situation and respond appropriately.
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The MND confirmed these details via a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating, "11 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 out of 11 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded."
11 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 9 out of 11 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded. pic.twitter.com/Conmhx3lYB
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) July 13, 2025
President Lai Ching-te Addresses China's "Influence Warfare"
These military maneuvers by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) occur in the context of persistent warnings from Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te regarding China's intentions. Speaking on June 28, President Lai emphasized that Beijing is employing "influence warfare and military intimidation" as part of its larger strategy for the "great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," which he views as a push for annexation of Taiwan and expanded hegemony in the Western Pacific.
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President Lai underscored that this ongoing threat from China will continue regardless of shifts in Taiwan's governmental leadership. His remarks highlight a consistent challenge to the island's security and democratic governance.
Domestic Political Challenges and Democratic Resilience
Beyond external pressures, President Lai also addressed internal political hurdles during the Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) national congress. He identified a significant domestic challenge in the opposition-controlled legislature, which he stated has bypassed established procedures, passed unconstitutional bills, and undermined government operations through severe budget cuts.
Under the theme "Better Democracy, Better Taiwan," President Lai urged the DPP to unite with the public in their ongoing mass recall movement. This movement aims to safeguard Taiwan's sovereignty and democratic institutions against perceived threats, both internal and external.
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President Lai further recognized the critical role of civil society in bolstering Taiwan's vibrant democracy. He drew parallels to historical movements like the Wild Lily protests in 1990 and the Sunflower Movement in 2014, where Taiwanese citizens actively protested policies seen as detrimental to their sovereignty and overtly pro-China. These instances, he noted, underscore the enduring strength and resilience of the Taiwanese people in defending their democratic values.
(With Agency input, a developing story)
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