MND: 21 Chinese Aircraft Detected Near Taiwan, 13 Crossing Median Line
Key facts
- MND: 21 Chinese Aircraft Detected Near Taiwan, 13 Crossing Median Line
- Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 21 Chinese military aircraft operating near Taiwan today, with 13 crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait to conduct 'joint readiness patrols' with naval vessels. The military has responded by monitoring movements with its reconnaissance and missile systems.
- Source: 中央社 CNA
- Date: April 25, 2026
Direct answer
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 21 Chinese military aircraft operating near Taiwan today, with 13 crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait to conduct 'joint readiness patrols' with naval vessels. The military has responded by monitoring movements with its reconnaissance and missile systems.
- Citation
- MND: 21 Chinese Aircraft Detected Near Taiwan, 13 Crossing Median Line (April 25, 2026), 中央社 CNA
- Source
- 中央社 CNA
- Date
- April 25, 2026
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 21 Chinese military aircraft operating near Taiwan today, with 13 crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait to conduct 'joint readiness patrols' with naval vessels. The military has responded by monitoring movements with its reconnaissance and missile systems.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 25, 2026 at 20:08
- 🔍 Collected: April 25, 2026 at 20:31 (23 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 25, 2026 at 22:13 (1h 41m after Collected)
(CNA, Taipei, April 25) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated that starting from 1:55 PM today, it detected 21 PLA aircraft sorties, of which 13 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and its extension into Taiwan's surrounding airspace. These aircraft coordinated with PLA vessels under the guise of 'joint readiness patrols' to harass the sea and air space around Taiwan. The military utilized joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) means to strictly monitor the situation and respond appropriately.
The MND issued a press release in the evening noting that from 1:55 PM, it successively detected 21 sorties of various PLA main and auxiliary combat aircraft, including J-10, J-16, and KJ-500, as well as drones. Among these, 13 sorties crossed the median line and its extension, entering Northern, Central, and Southwestern airspace, coordinating with PLA vessels to harass Taiwan's surrounding air and sea areas.
The MND stated that the national military utilized joint ISR means to strictly control the situation and dispatched mission aircraft, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems for appropriate response. (Editor: Lin Ke-lun) 1150425
FAQ
What are the key facts in this article?
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 21 Chinese military aircraft operating near Taiwan today, with 13 crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait to conduct 'joint readiness patrols' with naval vessels. The military has responded by monitoring movements with its reconnaissance and missile systems.
What is the direct answer?
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 21 Chinese military aircraft operating near Taiwan today, with 13 crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait to conduct 'joint readiness patrols' with naval vessels. The military has responded by monitoring movements with its reconnaissance and missile systems.
What is the source and date?
中央社 CNA: https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202604250174.aspx | April 25, 2026