A record number of Chinese warplanes flew through Taiwan’s air defense zone on Monday. According to the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense, AP . news agency. A total of 56 fighters and bombers flew through this zone, which is technically not part of Taiwan’s airspace. Aircraft flying through this buffer are followed by Taiwan for safety reasons.
In recent days, there has been increased military activity by China. On Friday, as China celebrated its national holiday, 38 fighter jets flew toward Taiwan. A day later, there were 39. On Sunday, sixteen flights flew close to Taiwanese airspace.
In an interview with the Australian channel ABC Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu says he is “very concerned” about the increased military threat. Taiwan will not give in to pressure from China, he says. “If China wants to start a war against Taiwan, we will fight to the end,” he said.
Concerns with the United States
The United States defeated China on Sunday declaration called for an end to military flights. “We urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan.”
China, on the other hand, accuses the US of provocation by making arms deals with Taiwan and sailing warships through the Taiwan Strait. “China will take all necessary countermeasures and resolutely crush any Taiwanese independence plot,” said a spokesman for China’s foreign ministry.
Tensions between China and Taiwan are by no means new. China regards Taiwan as a renegade province, which must be annexed by force if necessary. Taiwan sees itself as an independent democracy and maintains warm ties with Western allies such as Australia and the United States, much to China’s chagrin.
source https://pledgetimes.com/dozens-of-chinese-military-flights-again-in-taiwan-air-defense-zone/
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