The MND said Taiwan’s armed forces responded with CAP aircraft, Navy ships, and coastal missiles.
“17 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today,” the Defence Ministry said on X (formerly Twitter).
17 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 7 out of 17 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded. pic.twitter.com/Bqj1NJ4jL1
— Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) ????????? (@MoNDefense) July 14, 2025
Increased tensions over Chinese activity
Concerns about a potential military invasion are rising as Chinese aircraft and vessels are being detected around Taiwan regularly. On July 9, Taiwan detected over 31 PLA aircraft and seven naval vessels, with 24 aircraft crossing the median line.
Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), operates a separate government and military but faces growing diplomatic and military pressure from Beijing, which claims the island under the “One China” policy.
Trump administration seeks clarity from Japan, Australia
The frequent Chinese military operations have reportedly alarmed US President Donald Trump, with his administration seeking clarity from Japan and Australia on their roles if a conflict were to occur between the US and China over Taiwan.
US defence officials have raised the issue with Japanese and Australian counterparts in recent meetings, the Financial Times reported, citing sources.
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“We do not seek war. Nor do we seek to dominate China itself. What we are doing is ensuring the United States and its allies have the military strength to underwrite diplomacy and guarantee peace,” a US official was quoted as saying.
Another person said operational planning and exercises with Japan and Australia related to a Taiwan contingency are progressing. “But this request caught Tokyo and Canberra by surprise because the US itself does not give a blank cheque guarantee to Taiwan,” the source said.
Australia clarifies position
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, on July 13, stated that Australia opposes any unilateral move to change the status quo in the Taiwan Strait.
“We don’t support any unilateral decision there. We have a clear position, and we have been consistent about that,” Albanese told reporters in Shanghai, according to Bloomberg. The Prime Minister is on a six-day visit to China to boost economic ties.
However, no specific military plans were disclosed by Australia.
While Japan has condemned the Chinese incursions, no official response regarding its strategic planning has been shared.
With China reiterating its intention to take control of Taiwan, if necessary by force, the strategic military preparedness and clear positioning of the US and its allies — Japan, South Korea and Australia — in the Indo-Pacific could play a critical role in deterring or triggering further conflict.
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