Taiwan has reported a fresh increase in Chinese military activity around the island, with its Ministry of National Defense (MND) detecting Chinese military aircraft, naval vessels and official ships operating near its territorial waters.
The MND said it detected two sorties of Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, eight People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels and four official ships around Taiwan as of 6 a.m. local time on Sunday.
In a post on X, the MND said, “2 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 4 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded.”
2 sorties of PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 4 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded. pic.twitter.com/JasjXcXwA7
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) June 21, 2026
Earlier detection of PLA aircraft near Taiwan
A day earlier, Taiwan’s MND reported detecting five sorties of PLA aircraft, nine PLAN vessels and five official ships operating around the island.
In a post on X, it said, “5 sorties of PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 5 official ships operating around Taiwan detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 out of 5 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern part ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded.”
The developments come amid continued Chinese military activities around Taiwan.
Taiwan strengthens submarine capabilities
Meanwhile, Focus Taiwan reported that Taiwan’s first domestically built submarine recently departed from the Port of Kaohsiung for another round of sea trials, including dive tests.
Citing the Military News Agency, Focus Taiwan said the trial marked the submarine’s 15th sea trial overall and its ninth submerged navigation test.
The development comes as China continues to increase the intensity of its military activity around Taiwan.
Taiwan-China dispute remains a global flashpoint
China’s claim over Taiwan is rooted in historical, political and legal arguments. It traces back to the Qing Dynasty’s annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga. Beijing maintains that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China, a position reflected in its national policy and domestic laws.
Taiwan, however, maintains a distinct identity, functioning independently with its own government, military and economy. Taiwan’s status remains a major international issue involving debates over sovereignty, self-determination and non-interference in international law, as per the United Service Institution of India.