TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (國防部) reported Tuesday (July 22) that China's People's Liberation Army (解放軍) maintained its military presence across maritime zones and airspace surrounding the Taiwan Strait (台灣海峽) throughout the preceding 24-hour period. Defense officials detected eight Chinese military vessels alongside two government ships conducting sustained operations in the strategically sensitive waterway between Monday and Tuesday morning.
Taiwan's military responded by deploying mission aircraft, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems to maintain vigilant surveillance and coordinate appropriate defensive measures. The absence of Chinese aircraft in Taiwan Strait airspace during this timeframe marked a notable departure from typical patrol patterns. Military commanders noted the conspicuous lack of aerial activity despite the continued naval presence in contested waters.
Typhoon Wipha's devastating impact on China's Guangdong and Hainan provinces likely contributed to the aerial activity reduction, as the storm's outer circulation bands and severe weather conditions disrupted normal military flight operations. Taiwan's defense ministry maintains round-the-clock surveillance of People's Liberation Army movements throughout the sensitive strait region. The ministry's comprehensive monitoring strategy seeks to preserve regional security and stability amid persistent cross-strait tensions. ◼
