People's Liberation Army

China on Saturday accused Berlin of heightening security risks in the Taiwan Strait, a day after two German vessels sailed through the sensitive waters. "The German side's behaviour increases security risks and sends incorrect signals," Chinese military spokesperson Li Xi said in a statement.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju refuted claims of Chinese forces intruding into Indian territory, asserting that markings in undemarcated areas do not indicate encroachment. He acknowledged overlapping patrols but assured that India maintains strict vigilance and continues building infrastructure along the border. Discussions between India and China aim to uphold peace at the Line of Actual Control.

China's military, directed by President Xi Jinping, shifted focus to prepare for conflicts against powerful adversaries. Emphasizing national sovereignty and security, Xi called for enhancing the strategic ability of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Defense official Miao Hua supported this shift amidst geopolitical tensions and rising threats, emphasizing the importance of military readiness and strategic clarity.

Two men from Arunachal Pradesh have been missing for nearly two years along the India-China border and are suspected to be in Chinese custody. Batelum Tikro and Bainsi Manyu vanished in August 2022 while searching for medicinal herbs. Despite multiple attempts by Indian authorities, China has yet to acknowledge their whereabouts or detention.

Taiwan's ministry of National Defence reported increased activity by China's PLA near the Taiwan Strait, with 28 aircraft detected on Saturday. Of these, 27 breached the median line, entering Taiwan's ADIZ. Taiwan's military responded promptly. Earlier, 18 Chinese aircraft and 13 PLAN vessels were detected, with 11 aircraft crossing into Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ.

China's military has intensified political education after the ousting of former defense ministers Li Shangfu and Wei Fenghe for corruption. The Central Military Commission announced a thorough "rectification" to uphold combat readiness. This crackdown is part of President Xi Jinping's push for a loyal and uncorrupted military. Both Li and Wei face criminal charges, emphasizing the need for integrity within the People's Liberation Army.

The Strategic Studies Institute of the US Army War College published an in-depth report examining PLA activity along the mountainous border in Aksai Chin opposite India in 2020-21. It considered how the PLA rapidly moved troops into the region as violence flared between Chinese and Indian troops in Galwan Valley on 15-16 June 2020. However, Blasko, a former US defence attache in Beijing and Hong Kong, also provided a useful assessment of current and future conditions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence reported five Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels operating around Taiwan from Saturday to Sunday. This included incursions into Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). Taiwan's armed forces monitored and responded to the situation. This incident follows increased Chinese military activities around Taiwan, asserting sovereignty claims and leading to heightened regional tensions.

The prospect of peaceful "reunification" with Taiwan is being increasingly "eroded" by Taiwanese separatists and external forces, Chinese defence minister Dong Jun said on Sunday, promising to ensure independence never happens. China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, over the strong objections of the government in Taipei, and last month staged war games round the island in anger at the May 20 inauguration of President Lai Ching-te who Beijing calls a "separatist".

Nine militants from two banned outfits, KCP (Taibanganba) and RPF/PLA, were arrested in Manipur. Police seized weapons, ammunition, cash, and mobile phones from the rebels engaged in extortion activities.

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense detected Chinese naval ships near Taiwan, escalating tensions. Taiwan deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor People's Liberation Army (PLA) activity. The increased presence of Chinese military assets near Taiwan underscores ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported the presence of seven Chinese military aircraft and seven People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) vessels operating near Taiwan. The MND stated that these military assets were detected in the area until 6 am. The ROC Armed Forces have been vigilantly monitoring the situation and have implemented necessary measures to respond to the Chinese military presence.

On 19 April, Xi was present at a high-level PLA ceremony in Beijing to inaugurate the Information Support Force as a replacement for the Strategic Support Force (SSF). The latter existed for just over eight years, and it remained a somewhat shadowy force. However, its functions were explained by the names of key constituent units such as the Space Systems Department and Network Systems Department.

Taiwan reported the detection of 16 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels near its borders within the past 24 hours. The Ministry of National Defence confirmed that 12 of the PLA aircraft breached Taiwan's air defence identification zone. The situation remains tense as the Chinese presence continues to be monitored closely.

Following China's activity, Taiwan deployed aircraft, naval ships and air defence missile systems to keep track of the Chinese PLA activity.