The Ministry of National Defense (MND) stated today (20^th) that the Chinese aircraft carrier "Shandong" (CV-17) and its four escorts sailed south from Dalian Port, Liaoning, on the 17^th, and continued traveling southward after passing through the Taiwan Strait on the 20^th.

Throughout this the Armed Forces had, in addition to engaging in joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance throughout the entire process, also dispatched six naval vessels and eight aircraft of various types to engage in alert and monitoring tasks to deal with the situation in accordance with the regulations. The MND emphasizes that the Armed Forces have confidence in its ability to protect our homeland, ensure national security, and maintain regional peace and stability with the support of our nationals.