China says crossing of Taiwan maritime line by fighter jets was ‘routine exercise’

China on Wednesday defended the crossing of Taiwan’s traditionally-respected maritime line, dividing the island from the mainland, by its jets last month as a routine exercise. The rare incursion of two J-11 fighter jets over the “median line” separating the self-ruled island from China drew condemnation from Taipei at the end of March. It described the incident as “intentional, reckless and provocative.” Citing remarks by Taiwan Affairs Office spokesman Ma Xiaoguang on Wednesday, state-run China Daily said the fly-by was part of a planned routine exercise by the People’s Liberation Army. Dismissing a vow by Taiwan’s president Tsai Ing-wen to forcibly expel Chinese fighter jets if they cross the median line again as “wild talk,” Ma said the president’s comments showed she was “scared,” AFP reports.