13 Chinese military aircraft and ships operating near Taiwan
China kept up its routine pressure around Taiwan with another day of aircraft and ship movements, a neutral-but-tense signal that the standoff is grinding on with no let-up.
- Taiwan's defense ministry tracked 13 Chinese aircraft and vessels near the island over a 24-hour window.
- The mix included two aircraft flights into airspace east of Taiwan, six navy ships, and five government patrol boats.
- Two Chinese helicopters were picked up off Taiwan's east and southeast in the late afternoon and evening.
- Taiwan responded with its own aircraft, ships, and land-based missile systems on watch.
Outlook: These near-daily incursions are expected to continue, keeping the Taiwan Strait a persistent flashpoint without an immediate escalation.