The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense confirmed that the Chinese aircraft carrier (Shandong) sailed through the Taiwan Strait today, Saturday, accompanied by two other ships, marking the latest escalation in military tensions regarding the island that Beijing claims as part of its territory.
The ministry stated that the (Shandong), which entered service in 2019, "sailed north through the strait around noon and adhered to the Chinese side of the median line, which is considered an unofficial barrier between the two sides."
Additionally, the ministry issued a brief statement indicating that the Taiwanese military closely monitored the Chinese vessels and "responded appropriately."
The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense also reported today that eight Chinese fighter jets crossed the median line of the strait in the past 24 hours, a routine action by Chinese warplanes since military drills in August.
The (Shandong) participated in Chinese military exercises around Taiwan last month and operated in the western Pacific.
In March of last year, the Shandong sailed through the Taiwan Strait just hours before talks between the Chinese and American presidents.
China continues limited military activities around Taiwan after officially concluding its war games last month.
