Taiwan’s defense ministry says 57 Chinese army planes are approaching the island

Over the past 24 hours, the Taiwan defense department has recorded the approach of 57 aircraft and four ships of the People’s Liberation Army of China (PLA) to the island. About it says in a post on the ministry’s website.

“From 6:00 am on January 8 to 6:00 am on January 9, 57 aircraft and four ships of the People’s Liberation Army of China were observed around Taiwan,” the statement said.

At the same time, 28 aircraft entered the air defense identification zone southwest of the island. According to the Taiwanese military, three BZK-005 drones, six J-11 fighters, two Su-30s, 12 J-16s and two J-10s, two H-6 strategic bombers and a KJ- 500.

The Taiwan Ministry of Defense noted that they use combat aircraft, ships and ground-based missile systems for observation and response.

The Taiwanese Ministry reports on the maneuvers of the Chinese army in the area of ​​the island daily. The day before, January 8, data Ministry of Defense, three ships were seen around Taiwan, as well as six aircraft overflights. On January 7, 22 aircraft approached the island, and three PLA ships were seen in the Taiwan Strait area.

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.