15 Chinese Aircraft and Vessels Detected Around Taiwan; Military on High Alert

TAIPEI, May 21 (CNA) -- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced that between 6 a.m. yesterday and 6 a.m. today, it detected 7 Chinese military aircraft, 7 naval vessels, and 1 public service ship, totaling 15, operating around the Taiwan Strait. Six of the aircraft crossed the median line into Taiwan's northern and southwestern airspace, prompting close monitoring and response from the armed forces. According to a map released by the MND today, from 7:05 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. yesterday, Taiwan's military detected 3 Chinese main and auxiliary combat aircraft in the Taiwan Strait airspace, with 2 crossing the median line. Additionally, from 8:25 a.m. to 12:10 p.m. yesterday, 4 Chinese main combat aircraft were detected in Taiwan's southwestern airspace, east of the median line. The MND stated that Taiwan's armed forces utilized mission aircraft, naval vessels, and shore-based missile systems to closely monitor and respond to the situation.