Dozens Of Chinese Jets Invade Taiwan Airspace Forcing Airforce To Fight Back
Taiwan deployed its air force Sunday in an effort to push back dozens of Chinese aircraft that entered its air defense identification zone (ADIZ), including an aerial refueling tanker which could extend the range of China’s fighters, bombers, and transport planes.
China has repeatedly deployed aircraft into the area as part of “grey zone” warfare with Taiwan. Officials are concerned that China is executing these maneuvers to test Taiwan’s response.
Taiwan claimed that roughly 150 aircraft from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) have entered its ADIZ since Oct. 1.
The latest excursion included 18 fighter jets, five nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, and a Y-20 aerial refueling jet. The squadron flew south of Taiwan into the Bashi channel before returning to China.
On Friday, a PLA spokesperson said the military carried out “naval and air force combat readiness patrol in the direction of the Taiwan Strait.”
The maneuver follows a U.S. Congressional delegation visit to the island – the second this month in support of Taiwan.
Thank you to @RepMarkTakano, @RepSlotkin, @RepColinAllred, @SaraJacobsCA, & @RepNancyMace. Your delegation’s visit to #Taiwan & your support strengthens my conviction that our democratic partnership will continue to be a key force for good in the region & world. pic.twitter.com/ovytGNOHja
— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) November 26, 2021
Representatives Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., Nancy Mace, R-S.C., Mark Takano D-Calif., Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., and Colin Allred, D-Texas visited the island at the same time that the PLA held a three-day military conference attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The PRC leader emphasized the need for “military cultivation.”
Slotkin said that the Chinese Embassy messaged her office about the trip and warned her to call off the trip.
President Tsai Ing-wen pledged that her country “will continue to step up cooperation with the United States in order to uphold our shared values of freedom and democracy and to ensure peace and stability in the region.”