Taiwan Accuses China of Launching Satellites Over Its Air Defense Zone Amid Rising Tensions

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported on Wednesday that China launched satellites from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC), with the flight path crossing over Taiwan's southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

In a post on X, Taiwan's MND said, "At 9:09 a.m. (UTC+8), China launched satellites from #XSLC, with the flight path over our southwestern ADIZ toward the Western Pacific." The ministry added that the satellites posed no threat as their altitude was beyond the atmosphere. "ROC Armed Forces monitored the process and remain ready to respond," the post stated.

Alongside the satellite launch, China also increased its military presence near Taiwan on Wednesday. By 6 a.m. local time, Taiwan's MND detected 15 Chinese aircraft and six naval vessels operating in the region. Out of these, 11 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern ADIZ. In response, Taiwan deployed its Combat Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft, Navy vessels, and coastal missile systems to monitor the situation.

MND shared another post confirming, "15 PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8). 11 of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's central, southeastern, and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly."

This comes after Taiwan also reported the passage of United States and Canadian naval vessels through the Taiwan Strait on October 20. The MND noted that one U.S. and one Canadian vessel sailed from south to north through the strait, with Taiwan’s Armed Forces maintaining full control over the situation.

Tensions between Taiwan and China have been escalating due to frequent military actions by Beijing around the island. Taiwan has been self-governed since 1949, but China considers it part of its territory and insists on reunification, by force if necessary.

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