Taiwan detects 7 Chinese military aircraft, 7 vessels near island

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported detecting seven Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels around its waters. Six of the aircraft crossed the median line, escalating tensions a day after 24 Chinese aircraft were detected.

Recent Chinese Military Activity

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected the presence of seven sorties of Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels and an official ship operating around its territorial waters as of 6am (local time) on Thursday. Of the seven, six sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern part of the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

In a post on X, the MND said, "7 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 6 out of 7 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern part ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded."

7 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 6 out of 7 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and… pic.twitter.com/aFhKqL1WTj — 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) May 21, 2026

Earlier, on May 20, the MND detected the presence of 24 sorties of Chinese military aircraft, six vessels and three official ships operating around itself.

In a post on X, the MND said, "24 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 out of 24 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded."

24 sorties of PLA aircraft, 6 PLAN vessels and 3 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 out of 24 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored… pic.twitter.com/xjUBCZLS5r — 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) May 20, 2026

US to 'Work on Taiwan Problem'

Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump in his gaggle with Press at Joint Base Andrews En Route Groton, CT, said that the US will work on the 'Taiwan problem'. "On Taiwan, I'll speak to everyone. We have that situation very well in hand. We had a great meeting with President Xi; it was amazing actually. We'll work on that Taiwan problem," he said.

Historical Context of China-Taiwan Tensions

China's claim over Taiwan is a complex issue rooted in historical, political, and legal arguments. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a viewpoint embedded in national policy and upheld by domestic laws and international statements. Taiwan, however, maintains a distinct identity, functioning independently with its government, military, and economy.

Taiwan's status remains a significant point of international debate, testing the principles of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference in international law, as per the United Service Institution of India. China's claim to Taiwan originates from the Qing Dynasty's annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga. (ANI)

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet Newsable English staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)