Taiwan says 45 PLA aircraft crossed strait median, enter ADIZ

Taiwan says 45 PLA aircraft crossed strait median, enter ADIZ

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) has reported that 45 Chinese military aircraft have crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the island's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). This incident, which occurred on July 2, 2025, is part of a broader pattern of increased military activity by China in the region.

According to the MND, 45 sorties of PLA aircraft were detected, with 38 of them crossing the median line and entering Taiwan's ADIZ, particularly in the southwestern and eastern sectors. The MND stated that Taiwan's armed forces have closely monitored the situation and responded appropriately [1].

This incident follows a series of military incursions by China into Taiwan's ADIZ. On July 13, 2025, Taiwan reported 11 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and one official ship operating near its territory [3]. On July 1, 2025, Taiwan detected 17 Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels, and one official ship operating around its territory [2].

The increasing military activity by China has been criticized by Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te. In a speech at the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) national congress on June 28, 2025, President Lai accused China of using "influence warfare and military intimidation" to annex Taiwan [1].

The frequent incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ have become a near-daily occurrence over the past year, reflecting China's strategy of maintaining pressure on the island. Taiwan, a self-governed democracy, continues to reject Beijing's claims of sovereignty, while the international community remains divided on how to respond to escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

References:
[1] https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/taiwan-says-it-detected-11-chinese-aircraft-7-naval-vessels-1-ship-in-adiz-101752374323339.html
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/external-affairs-defence-security/news/taiwan-reports-increased-chinese-military-activity-around-its-territory-125071400070_1.html
[3] https://impressivetimes.com/international/taiwan-detects-chinese-aircraft-naval-vessels-adiz/