Taiwan scrambles airforce after detecting Chinese jets

Taiwan’s military forces have reacted to Chinese aircraft and naval vessels that were detected near the self-governing island, including one plane that allegedly crossed into Taipei’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), the Taiwanese defense ministry claimed on Saturday.

Jets, missile systems and naval forces were scrambled after nine Chinese aircraft and two navy ships were detected in and near the Taiwan Strait, according to Taipei. The aircraft allegedly breached the ADIZ in the southwest corner of the zone, the same area where a record 56 Chinese jets flew during exercises on October 4.

Contrary to an allegation by US Senator Robert Menendez, who visited Taiwan last April, the Chinese jets did not cross into Taiwanese airspace. The ADIZ extends far beyond Taipei’s territory, covering the region where Taiwan monitors aircraft for security purposes.

China has ramped up military exercises in the region around Taiwan since August, when US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi defied Beijing’s warnings against visiting Taipei. In response to the row, China cut off military and climate ties with the US and conducted wargames in the Taiwan Strait.

China has vowed to reunify with Taiwan, by force if necessary, and considers the island to be part of its sovereign territory. The US and the United Nations recognize Beijing as the “sole legal government of China” under the “One China” policy. Washington officially acknowledges, without endorsing, China’s claim to sovereignty over Taiwan. 

Speaking at last month’s Communist Party congress, President Xi Jinping called on the People’s Liberation Army to “fully enhance training and preparation for war,” the South China Morning Post reported on Saturday. PLA officers have said the Chinese military is now on “full-time standby” for war in the Taiwan Strait.