Taipei, April 17 (CNA) The Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced today that between 6 a.m. yesterday and 6 a.m. today, it detected seven Chinese naval vessels and five military aircraft. Four of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering the northern and southwestern air defense identification zones. The Armed Forces are closely monitoring the situation with combat air patrol aircraft, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems. The MND stated it detected seven People's Liberation Army (PLA) naval vessels, one public service vessel, and five PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan during the 24-hour period. Four of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait into the northern and southwestern airspace, continuing their activities around the Taiwan Strait. The MND emphasized that the Armed Forces are utilizing combat air patrol aircraft, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems to closely monitor and respond accordingly. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150417