10 Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwan Strait median line: Defence Ministry
Taiwan has complained in recent years of almost daily missions by the Chinese air force near the democratically governed island, often in the southwestern part of its air defence identification zone
FILE PHOTO: Chinese and Taiwanese flags are seen in this illustration. Reuters
Taipei: Ten Chinese aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, normally an unofficial barrier between the two sides, Taiwan’s defence ministry said on Saturday, as Beijing continues its military activities near the island.
Nine Chinese fighter jets and one military drone crossed the median line in the 24 hours to 6 am on Saturday, the ministry said in its daily report on Chinese military activities.
Taiwan sent aircraft to warn away the Chinese aircraft, while missile systems monitored them, the ministry said, using standard wording for its response.
Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory despite the island’s objections, has complained in recent years of almost daily missions by the Chinese air force near the democratically governed island, often in the southwestern part of its air defence identification zone.
Beijing has threatened unspecified retaliation if Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, now travelling in the Americas, should meet US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy. She is expected to meet him in Los Angeles on her way back to Taipei this month from Central America.
China staged war games around Taiwan in August after then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei, and has continued military activities near Taiwan, though on a reduced scale.
A senior Taiwan official familiar with the island’s security planning told Reuters this week China was unlikely to repeat such large exercises, but all preparations were made in case China reacts “irrationally”.
Separately, nine Chinese aircraft crossed the median line on Friday carrying out combat readiness patrols, a move that Taiwan’s defence ministry said has “deliberately created tension” and undermined peace and stability.
Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News,
India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
also read
Former defence chiefs in Taiwan: How mutual security concerns emanating from China influence New Delhi-Taipei ties
By pursuing a nuanced approach that combines economic cooperation, strategic partnerships, and principled support for democratic values, India can position itself as a responsible regional power while navigating the complexities of its relationship with China
Silent Sabotage: Chinese hackers target US military bases with malicious malware
Referred to as a potential "ticking time bomb" by a source in the US Congress, the malware possesses the capability to hinder or slow down US military deployments and resupply efforts by disabling essential utilities at American bases
Why are three former Indian military chiefs at a security conference in Taiwan?
General Manoj Naravane, Admiral Karambir Singh and former Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria are attending the Ketagalan Forum in Taiwan. Experts warn a full-scale conflict between Beijing and Taipei could have a negative impact on India and its economy