BEIJING, Oct 16 (Alliance News): China flew a record number of military aircraft around Taiwan during large-scale drills on Monday, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported.
The exercises, which included fighter jets, drones, warships, and Coast Guard vessels, simulated a blockade of the self-governing island, marking a significant escalation in military pressure from Beijing.
Over a 25-hour period, Taiwan detected 153 Chinese aircraft near the island, with 111 crossing the Median Line in the Taiwan Strait and entering Taiwan’s air defense identification zone (ADIZ).
While no Chinese planes entered Taiwan’s sovereign airspace, these actions have been condemned by Taiwan as an “unreasonable provocation.”
Taiwan deployed its own military assets, including fighter jets, naval vessels, and coastal missile systems, to monitor the situation.
China’s drills came in response to Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, who reaffirmed the island’s sovereignty in a recent speech.
The ruling Chinese Communist Party continues to view Taiwan as part of its territory, despite Taiwan’s rejection of these claims.