The Taiwanese military recently stated in a press conference that there were no Chinese aircraft or ships within 24 nautical miles of Taiwan on a particular day. However, later in the evening, the Ministry of National Defense issued a news release admitting that there was an error in the dynamic map they had previously released. After reexamining surveillance data, it was found that the closest Chinese aircraft was actually 33 nautical miles southeast of Orchid Island, not within the originally marked area. The Ministry of National Defense expressed deep regret for this mistake and pledged to improve their monitoring and reporting processes.
Senior researcher Zhang Jing from the Chinese Strategic Studies Association questioned whether Chinese military aircraft had actually entered Taiwan’s territorial waters and airspace on August 6. Despite the Ministry of National Defense’s assertion that no Chinese aircraft or vessels were within 24 nautical miles on that day, there were doubts raised about the accuracy of their information. The Ministry later clarified that the Chinese aircraft were actually 33 nautical miles southeast of Orchid Island, and they acknowledged the error in their initial map.
During the press conference, the Ministry of National Defense emphasized that they constantly monitor Chinese military activities near Taiwan and take appropriate measures to respond to any potential threats. They explained that they conduct surveillance, dispatch patrol aircraft, and use ground-based air defense missile units to track and respond to Chinese aircraft. The purpose of the daily “Chinese Military Activities Near Taiwan” map released by the Ministry is to provide a general overview of the situation to the public, not to depict precise flight paths.
In the future, the Ministry plans to review their intelligence-sharing processes to see if more information can be provided to the public while still safeguarding national security. The incident highlights the importance of accurate reporting and transparency in military matters to ensure public understanding and awareness of potential threats.