PLA fighter jets ‘approached Taiwan’s southwest’ after island test-fired missiles
- Taiwanese defence ministry says multiple warplanes entered ‘response area’ of air defence identification zone and were chased off
- It followed weapons tests off the island’s southern, eastern and northeastern coasts that are expected to continue on Thursday
Multiple Su-30 and J-10 fighter jets briefly entered Taiwan’s southwest air defence identification zone (ADIZ) before they were chased off by Taiwanese warplanes, the island’s defence ministry said in a statement.
It said the PLA fighter jets had “entered the ‘response area’ of the southwest side of our ADIZ” in the morning, meaning the island’s military was required to respond to the situation.
“What the Chinese communists did not only unilaterally, but also seriously, violated peace and stability in the region. For this we gravely condemn their acts,” the ministry said.
It said Taiwan’s air force had closely monitored the PLA jets and drove them out of the ADIZ, adding that the Taiwanese public should rest assured that the military was able to respond to such incidents and safeguard the island.
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Beijing sees Taiwan as part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the island under its control. Relations across the strait have deteriorated under Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s independence-leaning administration, and the PLA has stepped up military activities nearby as part of efforts to put pressure on the island.