13 Chinese warplanes, 6 naval vessels detected near Taiwan’s territory

Taipei, October 13, 2025 – Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) reported on Monday the detection of 13 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels conducting operations around the island until 6 a.m. local time. Notably, eight of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and southeastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), reports 24brussels.

The MND confirmed that Taiwanese forces actively “monitored the situation and responded” appropriately. A statement shared on X noted, “13 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 out of 13 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and southeastern ADIZ.”

13 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 out of 13 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded. pic.twitter.com/P2zKgsxJJA

— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) October 13, 2025

This latest incursion highlights the ongoing military pressure China exerts on Taiwan, which Beijing regards as part of its territory. The incident follows a report from the MND the previous day, detailing the presence of 16 Chinese aircraft, eight naval vessels, and one official ship operating near Taiwan’s air and maritime zones. Of those, 13 aircraft also crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s ADIZ.

In related commentary, a prominent Taiwanese defence analyst disputed claims suggesting that China could effectively blockade Taiwan using a limited number of submarines. Speaking at a seminar hosted by the Institute of International Relations at National Chengchi University, Alexander Huang, a strategic studies academic from Tamkang University, expressed skepticism towards assertions made by China affairs expert Willy Lam. Lam had previously stated that a naval blockade could be implemented with just four or five submarines.

Huang argued against the feasibility of such a blockade, citing operational limitations even for nuclear-powered submarines. He remarked, “A nuclear submarine can stay submerged for extended periods, but the crew still needs food, rest, and rotation. No vessel can maintain its position forever.” He also cautioned that any attempt at a blockade would expose Chinese submarines to significant risks. “It’s not only about sustaining the blockade, but also about whether those submarines could return safely. Other nations’ naval forces could easily obstruct their path back to Chinese ports,” he asserted, reinforcing that Taiwan possesses the capability to respond if necessary.