On January 23rd, twelve Chinese warplanes entered the south-western corner of Taiwan’s air defense identification zone.
Taiwan’s air force deployed missiles to “monitor” the incursion, the island’s defense ministry said.
The warplanes included 8 nuclear-capable H-6K bombers and 4 J-16 fighter jets.
“Airborne alert sorties have been tasked, radio warnings issued and air defense missile systems deployed to monitor the activity,” said the Defense Ministry in a brief statement.
China in recent months has conducted almost daily flights over the waters between the southern part of Taiwan and the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea.
MSM like to report that China “claims” Taiwan as its own territory, while it is, actually, a part of China. Taiwan, or as its official name is – the Republic of China is recognized by the UN as a territory under Beijing’s sovereignty.
A map provided by Taiwan’s Defense Ministry showed that the Chinese aircraft flew over the same waters where the most recent Chinese missions have been taking place, well away from mainland Taiwan.
However, these flights have generally consisted of only one or two reconnaissance aircraft. As such this “incident” is notable due to the sheer number of aircraft.
The US State Department issued a statement urging China to stop pressuring Taiwan while reaffirming its commitment to the nation.
“We urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with the nation’s democratically elected representatives,” said State Department spokesman Ned Price.
“We will continue to assist Taiwan in maintaining a sufficient self-defense capability,” he continued.
There was no immediate comment from China, in the past leaders there have said it will continue to carry out exercises to defend the country’s sovereignty and security.
The Biden Administration is likely to keep antagonizing China in this direction.
Emily Horne, spokeswoman for the White House’s National Security Council said US commitment to Taiwan remains “rock-solid” after Taiwan’s de facto ambassador in Washington, Hsiao Bi-khim, attended Biden’s swearing-in.
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