Daijiworld Media Network – Taipei

Taipei, Aug 2: Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) on Sunday said it detected five People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, 10 People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels and two official Chinese ships operating around the island.

In its daily security update, the ministry said all five PLA aircraft entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), prompting Taiwan's armed forces to monitor the activity and respond accordingly.

"5 sorties of PLA aircraft, 10 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. Five out of five sorties entered Taiwan's southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded," the ministry said in a post on X.

The latest activity follows a similar development reported on Wednesday, when Taiwan tracked eight PLA aircraft, seven PLAN vessels and one official Chinese ship operating near the island.

China considers Taiwan a part of its territory under its "One China" policy and has consistently asserted its claim over the self-governed island. Beijing has stepped up military activity around Taiwan in recent years, including regular air and naval patrols.

Taiwan, however, continues to function with its own government, military and democratic system, and maintains that it is self-governing. The issue remains a major source of tension in the region and continues to draw international attention over concerns relating to regional security and stability.