Taipei: Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) has reported a significant increase in Chinese military activity around the island. On Saturday and Sunday, the MND detected 40 and 12 Chinese military aircraft, respectively, with a substantial number crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. According to the MND, 27 out of 40 sorties on Saturday and 8 out of 12 sorties on Sunday entered Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The Taiwanese military has been closely monitoring the situation and responding accordingly.

The increased Chinese military activity follows a pattern of escalating manoeuvres by China around Taiwan, which has been governed independently since 1949. China claims Taiwan as part of its territory under the "One China" principle and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary. In response to the situation, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has ordered the military to strengthen its security surveillance, underlining the need for Taiwan to remain in close contact with its allies to ensure a swift response under all circumstances.

ANI reports that President Lai also noted that the conflict in the Middle East has not deterred China from continuing its pressure along the First and Second Island Chains. The United States Indo-Pacific Command has raised its Force Protection Condition level across the region, further heightening tensions. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence and national security team have been directed to monitor the situation closely and assess its impact on regional security. The situation remains tense, with both sides closely monitoring each other's movements.

With inputs from ANI