China Again Circles Taiwan With 23 Warplanes & 7 Warships

By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow

Recent developments in the Taiwan Strait have drawn significant attention from global military analysts. The Ministry of National Defense (MND) in Taiwan has reported the movement of 23 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels in the vicinity of the island nation. This activity was observed between 6 a.m. on June 12 and 6 a.m. on June 13.

Notably, 19 of these aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s eastern and southwestern air defense identification zones (ADIZ). This incident is part of a broader pattern of increasing Chinese military maneuvers around Taiwan, prompting a detailed technical analysis of the strategic implications and potential outcomes. China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been steadily increasing its military presence around Taiwan. The recent tracking of 23 aircraft and seven naval vessels is a continuation of a trend observed since September 2020. This pattern includes a significant number of incursions into Taiwan’s ADIZ and crossings of the median line, an unofficial boundary that both sides had respected for years to avoid direct confrontation.

The aircraft involved in these operations are typically a mix of fighters, bombers, and reconnaissance planes. The presence of bombers, in particular, suggests a show of force, demonstrating China’s capability to project power and deliver strategic strikes if necessary. The naval vessels involved are likely a combination of destroyers, frigates, and possibly submarines, enhancing the PLA’s ability to conduct multi-dimensional operations involving air, surface, and sub-surface assets.

In response to these incursions, Taiwan has deployed its own aircraft, naval vessels, and coastal-based missile systems. The Republic of China Air Force (ROCAF) scrambles fighter jets to intercept and monitor the Chinese aircraft, while the Navy positions its vessels to track the movements of the PLA ships. The missile systems, likely including the Tien Kung (Sky Bow) and Patriot missile batteries, provide a robust layered defense against potential aerial threats.

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Taiwan’s defensive measures are designed to demonstrate readiness and deter further provocations. By consistently responding to PLA activities, Taiwan sends a clear signal of its resolve to defend its airspace and territorial waters. This posture is crucial in maintaining a balance of power in the region and preventing any miscalculations that could escalate into a larger conflict.