Taiwan says 8 Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwan Strait median line | Inquirer News

Taiwan says 8 Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwan Strait median line

/ 01:45 PM July 04, 2023

Taiwan says 8 Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwan Strait median line.

Chess pieces are seen in front of displayed China and Taiwan’s flags in this illustration taken January 25, 2022. REUTERS FILE PHOTO

TAIPEI — Eight Chinese aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait on Tuesday morning, Taiwan’s defense ministry said, as China ramps up military pressure on the democratic island.

Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory despite the island’s strong objections, has faced in recent years almost daily missions by Chinese military aircraft, often in the southwestern part of the island’s air defense identification zone.

Article continues after this advertisement

A total of 24 Chinese warplanes, including fighter jets and bombers, were spotted near Taiwan on Tuesday morning starting at about 8 a.m. (0000 GMT), the defense ministry said, adding four Chinese warships also joined a “joint combat readiness patrol”.

FEATURED STORIES

Taiwan sent aircraft and ships to warn away the Chinese, while missile systems monitored them, the ministry said, using standard wording for its response.

In a statement, the ministry said it is the joint responsibility for all parties in the region to maintain safety and stability.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Any provocative behavior that could bring impacts is not good for regional safety,” it said.

Article continues after this advertisement

China, which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, in April staged drills around the island in anger at President Tsai Ing-wen’s meeting with the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.

The Taiwanese government strongly objects to China’s sovereignty claims and vows to defend itself if China attacks the island.

RELATED STORIES

Taiwan says 11 Chinese aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line

Analysis: China’s navy begins to erase imaginary Taiwan Strait median line

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: China, Defense, Taiwan, Taiwan Strait

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.