China's Attack Helicopter Z-10 Enters Taiwan ADIZ For The First Time; Crosses 'Median Line'

Adding to the tensions in the Taiwan Strait, a Chinese Z-10 attack helicopter has intruded into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) for the first time.

The chopper, which is also called the WZ-10, crossed the so-called "median line," an informal boundary running down the center of the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday, reported Radio Taiwan International. This also marked the seventh day of intrusions this month.

The Z-10 was accompanied by two KA-28 ASW choppers, but is unclear whether the sorties were coordinated. Taiwan responded by sending aircraft, broadcasting radio warnings, and deploying air defense missile systems to track it.

This is the first time that a helicopter crossed the median line, an informal boundary running down the center of the Taiwan Strait, according to the Taiwan Defense Ministry. The island and China do not officially agree on the "median line." However, the ADIZ declared by Taiwan covers not only the entirety of the Strait but also portions of mainland China.

Meanwhile, a report by The Drive said the appearance of the attack operated by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) highlights the growing importance of rotary forces around the Taiwan Strait. China has also strategically positioned a helicopter base in the region, which analysts claim is to support future operations in the Strait or even a potential invasion of Taiwan.

The last time a PLA aircraft crossed the "median line" was in September 2020. At that time, J-16, J-10, and J-11 fighters intruded into the Taiwanese territory during a visit by the U.S. Under Secretary of State Keith Krach to Taiwan.

Interestingly, the flight of the attack helicopter coincided with the "routine transit" of the guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal through Taiwan Strait. China responded to the transit, claiming it monitored and warned the vessel. The transit happened shortly after China carried out military drills in the area.

"The U.S. frequently stages such dramas and provokes trouble, sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces, and deliberately intensifying tensions across the Taiwan Strait," the statement issued by PLA's Eastern Theatre Command was quoted by Reuters.

The region has been on the boil for the past few days as China announced that it was intensifying "realistic combat" exercises in the East China Sea. This is besides the exercises undertaken by the aircraft carrier Liaoning and six accompanying navy warships, which are said to be conducting military training with fighter jets and helicopters in the Western Pacific Ocean.