Taiwan detects six Chinese naval vessels near its waters

Taipei [Taiwan], June 16 (ANI): Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) tracked six Chinese naval vessels operating around Taiwan from 6 am (local time) on Sunday to 6 am (local time) on Monday.

In response to Chinese action, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor PLA activity, according to Taiwan's MND. No PLA aircraft were detected operating near Taiwan during that time.

In a post on X, Taiwan's MND stated, "6 PLAN ships operating around Taiwan were detected as of 6 a.m. (UTC 8) today. Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe."

This incident follows a recent pattern of escalated manoeuvres by China around Taiwan, sparking concerns over regional stability. Taiwan has been governed independently since 1949. However, China considers Taiwan part of its territory and insists on eventual reunification, by force if necessary.

On June 11, the US Navy is intensifying its global war game exercises to counter a potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan, aiming to make the self-ruled island "a very difficult target to take," US Acting Chief of Naval Operations Admiral James Kilby said during a congressional testimony on Wednesday.

According to a report by the Taipei Times, Admiral Kilby testified before the US House Armed Services Committee that the US Navy has been conducting regular simulations, primarily at the Naval War College, focused on deterring Beijing's military ambitions in the Indo-Pacific.

"Our focus is on long-range strike capabilities, countering China's command and surveillance systems, terminal ship defence, contested logistics, and unconventional maritime denial strategies," Kilby said.

He added that the Navy is also experimenting with new technologies in each area, with increased urgency following recent consultations with Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo and Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Stephen Koehler.

On whether deploying a USD 13 billion aircraft carrier or autonomous systems would be more effective for Taiwan's defence, Kilby mentioned that drones would be a preferred choice. "If I could put those drones on Taiwan, I'd put them on Taiwan," he said, indicating a shift toward unmanned assets in countering China's expanding military capabilities. (ANI)

(The story has come from a syndicated feed and has not been edited by the Tribune Staff.)