71 Chinese military aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait’s sensitive median line on Saturday as China began exercises around Taiwan.
The three-day drills were widely anticipated after China denounced Tsai’s Wednesday meeting with the Speaker of the US. House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy in Los Angeles and was publicized the day after Tsai returned from the United States.
The People’s Liberation Army said it had started the combat readiness patrols and “Joint Sword” exercises around Taiwan, having said earlier it would be holding them in the Taiwan Strait and to the north, south, and east of Taiwan “as planned”.
The Chinese army’s Eastern Theatre Command stated, “This is a serious warning to the Taiwan independence separatist forces and external forces’ collusion and provocation, and it is a necessary action to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry confirmed the sighting of the Chinese aircraft and nine ships crossing the median line, which usually serves as an unofficial barrier between the two sides.
In response, the ministry said in a statement, “The military will respond with a calm, rational, and serious attitude, and will stand guard and monitor in accordance with the principles of ‘not escalating nor disputes’ to defend national sovereignty and national security.”
Chinese state media released footage of the drills, showing warships at sea and fighter jets doing airborne refuelling, set to stirring martial music. Reuters was unable to authenticate when or where the material was shot.
The military drills have raised concerns about regional peace, stability, and security, with Taiwan strongly opposing China’s aggression.
