Taiwan and China Tensions growing
On Friday Reuters reported that 20 Chinese military aircraft were spotted in Taiwan when they entered the island’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ). Taiwan then deployed missiles to “monitor” the incursion, reports Taiwan’s defense ministry. This instance is the largest incursion reported by Taiwan’s defense ministry to date.
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that they warned the Chinese aircraft before deploying missiles. Since Taiwan began tracking the Chinese military’s patrol of the South China Sea last year, these flights have been happening almost daily but this is the largest incursion to date.
As of this report, there have been no comments from China’s defense ministry. In a past statement in January, China’s Ministry of National Defence said that seeking “‘Taiwan Independence’ means nothing but war”.
Earlier on Friday, United States President Joe Biden’s administration signed their first agreement with Taiwan establishing a Coast Guard Working group. This was in response to a new Chinese law allowing their coast guard to fire on foreign vessels. President Biden has reaffirmed his commitment to supporting Taiwan although they have no formal diplomatic ties with the island. The United States is also the main arms supplier for Taiwan.
Reuters reported that a source familiar with Taiwan’s security planning said that the Chinese military was conducting exercises that would simulate an operation against U.S. warships that sail through the Bashi Channel.
The 20 Chinese combat aircraft included four nuclear-capable H-6K bombers and 10 J-16 fighter jets. This incident occurred after Taiwan suspended all air training missions after two fighter jet crashes earlier in the week.
AK Wilson-is a freelance journalist based out of the United States
