Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported on Tuesday the presence of 12 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels operating near its territory, marking another escalation in Beijing’s military activity around the island.

According to the MND, 10 of the 12 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan’s air defence identification zones (ADIZ) to the north, southwest, and southeast by 6 a.m. local time.

“12 sorties of PLA aircraft and 7 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. today. 10 out of 12 sorties crossed the median line,” the ministry posted on X, adding that Taiwan’s forces monitored and responded to the situation.

This incident follows a similar provocation on Monday when five PLA aircraft and nine PLAN vessels were detected, with three aircraft crossing into Taiwan’s ADIZ.

The rising frequency of these incursions is part of China’s ongoing campaign to assert pressure on Taiwan, which it views as a breakaway province under the “One China” policy. Taiwan, however, has been self-governed since 1949 and rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

Taiwan’s military remains on high alert, continuing to track Chinese movements and take necessary defensive measures.

These activities come amid heightened regional tensions and growing concerns among Western allies over China’s assertiveness in the Taiwan Strait.