Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense responded to the People’s Liberation Army’s announcement that from today until the 11th, it will establish 7 airspace reservation zones in the eastern part of Zhejiang and Fujian provinces. The Ministry stated that it had set up a response center in the morning and instructed all levels of the military to closely monitor the enemy’s activities and maintain a high state of alert, while simultaneously initiating readiness drills.
The Ministry of National Defense issued a press release today, explaining that the military is using joint intelligence surveillance methods to simultaneously monitor the fleet formations and maritime police ships of the PLA in the eastern, northern, and southern war zones, as they enter the waters surrounding Taiwan and the Western Pacific region to conduct long-distance navigation activities. The military is closely coordinating with coast guard forces to monitor and respond as necessary.
In response to the PLA’s actions, the Ministry of National Defense has also initiated readiness exercises, conducting drills at strategic positions based on the threat level posed by the enemy and considering factors such as weather conditions. Outlying island forces have been put on high alert, cooperating closely with the coast guard administration to effectively respond to the activities of Chinese maritime patrol vessels.
The Ministry of National Defense stressed that any unilateral and irrational provocations could seriously jeopardize peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, and are not welcomed by the international community.
The Ministry further stated, “Recent activities by the PLA near Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and our surrounding areas have introduced destabilizing risks to the region. In response, our military will adhere to the principles of ‘not escalating conflicts, not provoking disputes,’ and will prudently deal with various gray zone intrusion activities. We have the capabilities, determination, and confidence to ensure national security.”
President of Taiwan, Tsai Ing-wen, recently visited three diplomatic allies in the South Pacific, transiting through the United States including Hawaii and Guam. Upon concluding her trip, Tsai expressed gratitude to the US for upholding principles of security, dignity, comfort, and convenience, which facilitated a successful and fulfilling visit. She stated that the “Prosperous South Island, Sustainable Wisdom” trip of 7 days and 6 nights was successfully completed. She will continue to deepen partnerships with democratic countries, befriend them with the values of freedom and democracy, and make Taiwan a key force in promoting global prosperity and development.
According to Reuters, sources have revealed that the Chinese Communist Party may conduct military exercises around Taiwan in the coming days, possibly using Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to Pacific allies as a pretext.
China has not renounced the use of force to take over Taiwan, claiming sovereignty over the island while frequently sending military aircraft and ships to harass Taiwan.
The Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan released information regarding the dynamic activities of Chinese military aircraft and vessels around the Taiwan Strait. From 6:00 a.m. on December 8th to 6:00 a.m. today, they detected 10 instances of Chinese aircraft (including 6 incursions across the median line of the Taiwan Strait into the southwest airspace), 7 Chinese ships, and 3 public vessels continuing operations around the Taiwan Strait. The military is closely monitoring and responding using mission aircraft and land-based missile systems.
The Ministry of National Defense previously reported on the activities of Chinese military aircraft and vessels around the Taiwan Strait. From 6:00 a.m. on December 7th to 6:00 a.m. on December 8th, they detected 7 instances of Chinese aircraft (with 6 instances crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait into the southwest airspace), 14 Chinese ships, and 3 public vessels continuing operations around the Taiwan Strait. The military is closely monitoring and responding using mission aircraft and land-based missile systems.
Additionally, the Ministry of National Defense also disclosed information about 4 Chinese airborne balloons. The first balloon was detected at 5:32 a.m. on December 7th, located 138 nautical miles west of Keelung at an altitude of 16,000 feet, disappearing at 8:07 a.m. on the same day; the second balloon was detected at 11:37 a.m., 137 nautical miles west of Keelung at an altitude of 18,000 feet, disappearing at 1:29 p.m. on the same day.
The third balloon was detected at 4:55 p.m., 104 nautical miles west of Keelung at an altitude of 15,000 feet, disappearing at 5:26 p.m. on the same day; the fourth balloon was detected at 5:33 p.m., 97 nautical miles west of Keelung at an altitude of 16,000 feet, disappearing at 6:31 p.m. on the same day.