Taiwan records heightened Chinese military activity around its territory

Taipei has reported increased activity from Chinese military forces, with Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) stating that it identified 12 Chinese military aircraft and six naval vessels operating around the island until 6 a.m. local time, reports 24brussels.

Of the 12 sorties detected, eight crossed the median line, entering Taiwan’s northern, southwestern, and southeastern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). The MND confirmed that Taiwanese forces monitored the situation and responded accordingly.

12 sorties of PLA aircraft and 6 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 8 out of 12 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern, southwestern and southeastern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded. pic.twitter.com/mc7YQFDfoy

— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) October 14, 2025

The incursion highlights China’s ongoing military pressure on Taiwan, which Beijing regards as part of its territory. This incident follows the MND’s earlier report of 13 Chinese aircraft and six naval vessels detected near Taiwan’s air and maritime zones on Monday, with a similar number of sorties crossing the median line.

In related discussions, a prominent Taiwanese defense analyst has dismissed claims suggesting that China could effectively blockade Taiwan using a limited number of submarines. Alexander Huang, a strategic studies scholar, emphasized during a seminar at the Institute of International Relations at National Chengchi University that such a blockade would be logistically and strategically unfeasible.

Huang contested remarks made by China affairs expert Willy Lam—who asserted at a symposium in Washington that just four or five submarines could impose a blockade. Huang argued that the operational limitations of even nuclear-powered submarines would prevent them from sustaining such a maneuver. “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 stated.

Huang further cautioned that any attempted blockade would expose Chinese submarines to significant risks, highlighting the challenges of ensuring their safe return to Chinese ports. He noted, “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,” asserting that Taiwan has the capability to respond effectively if necessary.