Sixty Chinese jets fly to Taiwan.
For the past two days, China has been conducting a simulation of a blockade on the island of Taiwan. As part of a large-scale military exercise, more fighter jets have been approaching Taiwan's airspace than in months.
Yesterday, China dispatched a record-breaking 62 fighter jets towards Taiwan, surpassing the previous high of 45 aircraft seen on May 15. Taiwan's Ministry of Defense made this announcement. Out of the 62 jets, a staggering 47 entered Taiwan's air defense zone.
An air defense zone is a buffer area positioned in front of the airspace above a country's territorial waters. The purpose of monitoring this area is to identify foreign planes before they enter the actual airspace. This concept is not explicitly defined in international law.
On Thursday, China's People's Liberation Army initiated a two-day-long military drill near Taiwan. The exercise allegedly included a mock blockade of the island. This military exercise took place just three days after the installation of Taiwan's new President, Lai Ching-te. Lai Ching-te's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secured victory in January's presidential election. They hold views that are critical of China.
The Chinese government considers Taiwan a renegade province, despite independent and democratically elected governments ruling Taiwan for decades. The Chinese leadership has repeatedly threatened to unify this island, with a population over 23 million, with the mainland by force. In addition to ordinary army training sessions, Chinese air force warplanes often fly towards Taiwan to show off the might of their People's Liberation Army.
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In response to Taiwan's new Democratic Progressive Party government led by President Lai Ching-te, who holds critical views towards China, the Chinese military conducted a two-day military drill near Taiwan, including a mock blockade, on Thursday. This exercise followed closely the installation of Lai's government, further highlighting China's persistent claim over Taiwan as a renegade province, and its willingness to use its military might to assert control, if necessary.
Source: www.ntv.de
