TAIPEI: Taiwan’s defence ministry has claimed that it had detected around 22 Chinese warplanes and drones around the island in a window of less than three hours, western media reported on Saturday.
The development come less than a month before the May 20 inauguration of new Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te, who China regards as a separatist.
In a statement, the minister of defence said that they detected activities from 22 PLA aircraft… since 9:30 am on Saturday.
Taiwan Detects Over 20 Chinese Aircraft Around Island: Report
It said that around 12 aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s air defence identification zone. It added that the warplanes and drones also joined Chinese naval vessels in “joint combat patrol”.
Beijing says Taiwan as part of its territory and has never rejected the use of force to bring the island under its control.
Vice President Lai, won the island’s January presidential polls despite warnings from China that he would cause “war and decline” for the island.
Saturday’s show of military might take place as the US and the Philippines are carrying out joint military drills, including near the potential flashpoints of the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait. China’s ministry of Foreign Affairs accused the US of “stoking military confrontation”.
