Taiwan detects 20 Chinese military and official vessels entering ADIZ
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense tracked five PLA aircraft, eight naval vessels, and seven official government ships operating around the island up to 6 a.m. on August 18, 2026. Three aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, entering the northern and eastern Air Defense Identification Zones. Taiwan responded by deploying coastal missile systems and naval patrols. Simultaneously, President Lai Ching-te announced that Taiwan’s defense budget will exceed NT$1 trillion in 2027 to strengthen regional deterrence.