Chinese warplanes enter Taiwan’s Air Defense Zone for operations – Taipei – Nexus News
China is planning to ramp up large-scale military drills around the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which commenced as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi flew into Taipei for a visit that has enraged Beijing.
The unprecedented six days of military exercises commenced on Tuesday night after Pelosi landed on the island, featuring J-20 stealth fighter jets and test firing of conventional missiles, according to the Global Times tabloid.
Twenty-seven Chinese warplanes flew into Taiwan’s air defense zone on Wednesday, Taipei disclosed, as US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi made her controversial trip to the self-ruled island that Beijing considers its territory.
“27 PLA aircraft… entered the surrounding area of (Republic of China) on August 3, 2022,” the defense ministry disclosed in a tweet.
This incursion after 21 Chinese military aircraft flew into the southwestern part of Taiwan’s air defence zone on Monday night. In response to Chinese aggression, Taiwan sent an air patrol to oversee the situation, and also sent anti-aircraft missile systems.
Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan ended today as she departed from the self-ruled island after a brief and gripping trip that upped the ante in the Taiwan Strait.
The US House Speaker, who is second in line to the Oval Office after the US vice-president, confirmed her country’s unwavering dedication to supporting Taiwan’s democracy and stated that this trip in no way contradicts long standing United States policy on the self-governed island.
China, meanwhile, says Pelosi’s Taiwan visit was a serious violation of the one-China principle and the provisions of the joint agreement signed between the two countries.
Read Also: China prohibits trade with Taiwan amid tensions over Pelosi visit
On Tuesday, Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) declared a missile test and live firing as part of its military operations near Taiwan.
“The Chinese armed forces will begin military operations around Taiwan, long-range live firing will be held in the Taiwan Strait, and conventional missile tests will be organized in the sea area of the eastern part of the island,” Sputnik news agency quoted Eastern Theater Command spokesperson Shi Yi as saying.
“These actions are a fair deterrent to the recent major escalation of US negative actions on the Taiwan issue and a serious warning to the pro-Taiwan independence forces,” Shi Yi said.
Taiwan said today that the operation violated United Nations rules, invaded its territorial space and resulted in a blockade of its air and sea.
It said it would react appropriately.
“PRC [People’s Republic of China] announcing air-naval live-fire drills around Taiwan is self-evidently apparent that they seek a cross-strait resolution by force instead of peaceful means,” Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense wrote on Twitter. “Activities around our territory are closely monitored by ROCMND [Republic of China, Ministry of National Defense] and will meet our appropriate response when needed.”
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