Taiwan’s defense ministry says 29 Chinese aircraft are approaching the island

Over the past 24 hours, the Taiwan Defense Ministry has recorded the approach of 29 aircraft and three ships of the People’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) to the island. About it says in a post on the department’s website.

“Today, as of 06:00 (01:00 Moscow time), 29 aircraft and three PLA ships were detected around Taiwan,” the report said.

The agency noted that 21 aircraft entered the air defense identification zone southwest of the island. According to the Taiwanese military, the maneuvers included 18 H-6 strategic bombers, as well as one J-11 fighter and two Y-8 anti-submarine aircraft.

The Taiwan Defense Ministry said it used combat aircraft, ships and ground-based missile systems for surveillance and response.

From the reports of the Taiwanese department, it follows that aircraft and ships of the Chinese army are recorded in the area of ​​​​the island daily. The day before, December 12, the Taiwanese military reported about eight aircraft and four ships that continued to be near Taiwan.

The situation in Taiwan escalated after the visit of Speaker of the US House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi to the island in early August 2022. The Chinese Foreign Ministry protested, and China also announced military exercises in Taiwan waters. Later, a delegation of US congressmen and Republican Senator Marsha Blackbear visited the island. The PRC said that such steps violate the “one China” principle.

China considers Taiwan to be its province, so the PRC government opposes any contacts between the island’s administration and countries with which Beijing has diplomatic relations. China has repeatedly noted that it will take “serious measures” to protect the sovereignty of the country and its territorial integrity.