Taiwan Detects 14 Chinese Fighter Jets Carrying ‘Combat Readiness Patrol’

On Wednesday, Taiwan’s defence ministry said that 14 Chinese Air Force planes were flying around Taiwan and conducting joint combat readiness patrols alongside Chinese warships.

China, which considered Taiwan to be its territory, has sent warplanes and warships into the skies and waters surrounding the island regularly over the last four years to impose sovereignty claims that the Taipei government denies.

Taiwan’s defence ministry said that it detected 14 Chinese aircraft including J-16 fighters and drones, near the coasts of northern and southwestern Taiwan beginning at 1 p.m. (0500 GMT) on Wednesday.

“Nine of those aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line, or areas close by, working with Chinese warships to carry out joint combat readiness patrols”, the ministry continued.

There was no quick response from China’s defence ministry. China is amid its week-long Lunar New Year celebration.

Taiwan’s defence ministry went on to say, “Taiwan sent its forces to monitor”.

The strait’s median line formerly acted as an informal barrier between the two sides, but Chinese jets now routinely fly over it. China denies that the line exists.

Last month, Taiwan elected Vice President Lai Ching-te as its next president, a man China regards as a dangerous separatist.

Lai, who takes office in May, has proposed talks with China, which have been refused. He claims that only Taiwanese people can select their future.

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