On September 11, 2024, the Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China (Taiwan) stated that starting from 7 a.m. today, Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) various aircraft have been detected crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait for 14 times. The national army is closely monitoring and responding accordingly.
The CCP has not given up on the use of force against Taiwan, almost sending military aircraft and vessels to harass Taiwan on a daily basis. President of the Republic of China, Lai Ching-te, in his speech at the opening ceremony of the Overseas Community Affairs Council on September 10, 2024, emphasized that as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, his first mission is to safeguard the country’s survival and development. It is essential to uphold sovereignty as relinquishing it, as demanded by the CCP through the so-called “One China Principle” and “1992 Consensus,” would endanger the country’s existence.
Lai Ching-te stressed that sovereignty is fundamental to the country’s existence, stating “There can be no Republic of China without Taiwan.” In this critical moment, unity is crucial, along with the unwavering commitment to democratic freedoms, the constitutional system, and the non-subordination of Taiwan to the People’s Republic of China.
He further reiterated the importance of protecting the lives and properties of all Taiwanese citizens as the second mission, emphasizing that peace is invaluable and that wars yield no winners. Seeking peaceful means must be done correctly, rather than relying solely on a peace agreement. Lai Ching-te underlined the Four Pillars of Peace Action Plan, highlighting the need to strengthen defense capabilities, demonstrate the determination to safeguard Taiwan, and enhance the resilience of Taiwan’s economy. The third mission is to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the democratic camp, as since taking office on May 20, he has met with over 50 delegations, with many countries recognizing that peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are essential elements for global security and prosperity.
The Ministry of National Defense of the Republic of China stated today that starting from 7 a.m., CCP’s various aircraft, including J-16 fighters, KJ-500 airborne early warning aircraft, as well as drones, had conducted 19 sorties at sea, with 14 of them crossing the median line and extending into the airspace over northern, central, and southwestern Taiwan. This operation was in coordination with naval vessels conducting “joint combat readiness patrols.”
The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense emphasized that the national military, through integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, closely monitors and dispatches task forces of aircraft, ships, and missile systems to respond appropriately.
Furthermore, the Taiwan Ministry of National Defense also released information on the activities of CCP’s aircraft and vessels in the vicinity of the Taiwan Strait from 6 a.m. on the previous day until 6 a.m. today. In this period, 21 sorties of CCP military aircraft (including 13 crossing the median line into central and southwestern Taiwan airspace), 9 CCP naval vessels, and 1 government ship were detected continuing activities around the Taiwan Strait.
The Taiwan Ministry of National Defense reiterated the rigorous monitoring and response capabilities of the national army using task forces of aircraft, ships, and missile systems to closely surveil and respond to such activities.