Chinese Military Activity Around Taiwan: Comprehensive Report On Recent Activity, Broader Context

Over the past four to five years, PLA incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ have evolved from sporadic responses to political events into a sustained component of grey zone warfare.

TAIWAN — Today, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 58 People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft, nine Navy vessels, and one official ship operating in the vicinity of Taiwan.

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Forty-five of the aircraft sorties crossed the Taiwan Strait median line and entered the northern, central, southwestern, and eastern sectors of Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). The ministry monitored the situation and responded with combat air patrols, naval ships, and coastal missile systems.

Yesterday, 18 PLA aircraft, seven vessels, and two official ships were detected, with six crossings. Similar multi-directional paths were observed, including approaches near Matsu, Dongyin, Wuhu, and Kinmen. An earlier partial update noted 38 aircraft from 0807 hours, with 28 crossings, but the full daily report confirmed the lower total.

Over the past few days, detections have remained elevated. On July 15, 26 aircraft, seven vessels, and one official ship were noted, with 21 aircraft entering the ADIZ. July 14 saw 17 aircraft, eight vessels, and one official ship, with seven crossings.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense Statement

"58 PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels, and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until today. 45 of 58 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, central, southwestern, and eastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded."

Yearly PLA Aircraft Incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ (2020–2024)

Based on data from Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, annual totals of PLA aircraft incursions show a consistent upward trend:

• 2020: 380–390 (partial year, reporting began in September).

• 2021: 953.

• 2022: 1,732.

• 2023: 1,703.

• 2024: 3,615.

These figures count ADIZ entries. The escalation reflects a shift toward normalized operations.

Grey Zone Warfare Trends Over the Last 4–5 Years