China Flies Fighter Jets Near Taiwan After Leader’s US Trip in 2023

BEIJING, China – China dispatched warships and dozens of fighter jets to Taiwan on Saturday, according to the Taiwanese administration, in retaliation for a meeting between the speaker of the United States House of Representatives and the president of the self-ruled island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory.

As a message to the Taiwanese who seek to make the island’s de facto independence permanent, China’s military announced the commencement of three-day “combat readiness patrols.” The People’s Liberation Army did not mention a rerun of prior drills in which missiles were fired into the sea, disrupting shipping and airline flights.

Speaker Kevin McCarthy met with President Tsai Ing-wen in California on Thursday, joining a growing list of international lawmakers who have visited with Tsai to show their support in the face of Chinese coercion. Beijing replied on Friday by placing a travel restriction and financial sanctions on American organizations and individuals linked with Tsai’s visit to the United States.

According to the island’s Ministry of Defense, eight warships and 71 planes were spotted near Taiwan on Saturday, 45 of which went across the middle line of the strait that separates it from the mainland. According to the report, they included Chengdu J-10, Shenyang J-11, and Shenyang J-16 jet fighters.

Also on Saturday, the navy revealed plans to conduct “live fire training” in Luoyuan Bay in Fujian province, which borders Taiwan. Ships were prohibited during the fire and scheduled for five dates over the next two weeks.

Following a civil war, Taiwan seceded from China in 1949.

Following a civil war, Taiwan seceded from China in 1949. According to the ruling Communist Party, the island must rejoin the mainland, using force if necessary. Contact with foreign officials, according to Beijing, encourages Taiwanese who seek formal independence, which the ruling party claims will lead to war.

“This is a serious warning against collusion and provocation between ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and external forces,” the PLA stated. “Defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity” is what the “Joint Sword” does.

A Communist Party newspaper, The Global Times, said that a destroyer, missile boats, ballistic missiles, land-based anti-ship missiles, early warning, electronic warfare, and tanker aircraft would also be used in the exercise.

Taiwan’s military said missile defense systems had been activated, and air and sea patrols had been dispatched to track the Chinese aircraft.

“We condemn such an irrational act that has jeopardized regional security and stability,” read the Ministry of Defense statement.

The Chinese government has increased its efforts to frighten the island by flying fighter jets and bombers nearby and firing missiles into the sea.

Taiwan’s military said missile defense systems had been activated.

The United States has extensive informal and commercial links with Taiwan, a center for high-tech manufacturing and one of the world’s largest traders. Federal law requires Washington to ensure that the island of 22 million people has the means to defend itself if China attacks.

According to military strategists, a possible Chinese tactic in the case of an attack would be to block sea and air transportation, preventing the US, Japan, or other allies from interfering or providing supplies.

The PLA was testing its abilities to dominate the sea, air, and information on Saturday to “create a situation of deterrence and suppression,” according to the mainland publication The China Daily.

Taiwan and the mainland share billions of dollars in commerce and investment but no formal relations.

“We will never tolerate ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities in any form, and we will take firm measures to counter any foreign interference,” said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Cabinet’s Taiwan Affairs Office, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.

“Our country’s complete reunification must be realized, and it can, without a doubt, be realized,” Zhu said on Friday.

SOURCE – (AP)