Tensions Rise Again: China deploys 19 aircraft, 9 warships near Taiwan

Taiwan reported fresh military activity by China near its territory on Sunday, raising concerns over security in the region. According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, 19 Chinese military aircraft, nine naval vessels, and two official ships were detected around the island by 6 am local time today. Out of the 19 aircraft, 13 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) in multiple areas.

Taiwan said its armed forces closely monitored the situation and responded as needed.

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19 sorties of PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 13 out of 19 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern and eastern part ADIZ. #ROCArmedForces have monitored… pic.twitter.com/VfTjuCEfmL

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— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) (@MoNDefense) March 29, 2026

A day earlier, Taiwan had detected 15 Chinese aircraft, with 11 crossing the median line and entering different parts of its ADIZ. The repeated crossings are seen as a sign of increasing pressure from Beijing.

China considers Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly said it aims to bring the island under its control. Taiwan, however, functions separately with its own government, military and economy, and continues to reject Beijing’s claims.

The issue has deep historical roots. Taiwan came under Chinese control during the Qing Dynasty in the 17th century, later became a Japanese colony in 1895, and returned to Chinese control after World War II. In 1949, after the Chinese Civil War, the People’s Republic of China was established on the mainland, while the Republic of China government moved to Taiwan.

Since then, both sides have maintained separate governments, making Taiwan one of the most sensitive geopolitical flashpoints in the world.