Taiwan detects 14 mainland Chinese jets and drones carrying out ‘combat readiness patrols’ around island
- Taiwanese defence ministry reports nine of the aircraft, working with PLA warships, crossed Taiwan Strait median line or areas nearby
- The patrols come a month after Taiwanese voters elect William Lai – described by Beijing as a ‘separatist’ – as the island’s next president
PLA amphibious attack on Taiwan unlikely before 2030: ex-US Navy official
There was no immediate response from Beijing’s defence ministry. Mainland China is in the middle of its week-long Lunar New Year holiday.
Taiwan sent its own forces to monitor, its defence ministry said.
Beijing sees Taiwan as part of China to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the US, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to supplying it with weapons.
Beijing’s changes to cross-strait flight path will ‘squeeze’ Taiwan air defence
The Taiwan Strait’s median line once served as an unofficial barrier between the two sides, but PLA planes now regularly fly over it. Beijing says it does not recognise the line’s existence.
Lai, who takes office in May, has offered talks with Beijing, which have been rejected. He says only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.
