Taiwan detects 18 PLA aircraft near its borders

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Ministry of National Defense (MND) of Taiwan reported on Thursday (April 18) that it had detected 18 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft activity from 6 a.m. Wednesday to 6 a.m. Thursday.

Of these, 12 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), coming as close as 82 nautical miles to Taichung.

Five People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels were observed operating near the Taiwan Strait during the same period.

The Ministry also announced that China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center will launch a carrier rocket on Sunday (April 21). The rocket will fly over the Western Pacific and pass through Taiwan's ADIZ.

The MND emphasized that the Republic of China (ROC) Armed Forces will closely monitor the situation using Combat Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft, navy vessels, and coastal mission systems to respond to the PLA's activities.