Taiwan has spotted 37 Chinese military aircraft near the island
Taiwan claimed to have spotted 37 Chinese military aircraft near the island on Wednesday morning. Among them were fighter jets and drones, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry stated. Thirty-six of them had reportedly crossed the median line between Taiwan and Mainland China.
The Chinese aircraft were allegedly en route to the West Pacific for joint naval and air exercises with the aircraft carrier "Shandong." The Ministry added that Taiwan's military had monitored the situation and deployed "aircraft, ships, and coastal missile systems."
Taiwan seceded from Mainland China at the end of the Civil War and after the Communist takeover in Beijing 75 years ago. Beijing considers the island a renegade province, to be reunified with the mainland - by force if necessary.
On Wednesday, Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen met with the Director of the American Institute in Taiwan, Raymond Green. The Institute functions as a de facto embassy for the United States. Tsai reiterated the "solid partnership (...) amidst China's repeated provocations."
The US officially recognizes China, but Washington is Taiwan's most important partner and a significant arms supplier. Beijing has expressed concern over this collaboration and has repeatedly urged Washington to stop arming the island. Green stated on Wednesday that the US would continue to "support Taiwan's ability to defend itself."
After the incident with the Chinese military aircraft, Taiwan scrutinized the Details of their flight paths and proximity to the island. Despite the tense situation, Taiwan maintained a careful distance from any overt provocation, understanding the delicate Island’s military aircraft balance. Following the meeting with the US representative, Taiwan reinforced its commitment to enhancing military cooperation, ensuring the proximity of trusted allies in the face of potential threats.
