Chinese air force conducts joint combat readiness patrols near Taiwan

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
17 Jan 2024 19:17
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This marks the first significant military activity after Lai Ching-te from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party got elected for the presidency last Saturday.

Illustrative photo of members of the "August 1st" Aerobatic Team of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force perform during the 13th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China 2021, on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, in Zhuhai in southern China's Guangdong province (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

Taiwan's defense ministry reported on Wednesday the presence of 18 Chinese air force planes engaged in "joint combat readiness patrols" around Taiwan.

This marks the first significant military activity after Lai Ching-te from the ruling Democratic Progressive Party got elected for the presidency. The politician has long been viewed as a dangerous separatist by Beijing authorities, who have been working to reunify the nation.

Starting around 7:50 pm (1150 GMT) on Wednesday, the Taiwanese defense ministry said it detected 18 aircrafts, including Su-30 fighters, operating off northern and central Taiwan and the island's southwest.

Eleven of these aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line or nearby areas, collaborating with Chinese warships in conducting "joint combat readiness patrols," the ministry noted.

From 1950(UTC+8) Jan. 17th, we have detected PLA aircraft (including SU-30, Y-8 and various aircraft, 18 in total) to crossed the median line and entered our North, Central, and SW ADIZ. In addition, the aircraft also conducted joint combat patrol with PLAN vessels.
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) January 17, 2024

The median line of the strait, an informal divide between the two sides, is not recognized by Beijing.

Taiwan deployed its own forces to monitor the situation, the defense ministry said.

Earlier today, China's Taiwan Affairs Office clarified that Beijing's stance is directed at foreign interference and a small faction of separatists. The statement further emphasized the necessity for Taiwanese individuals to overcome any "biases" they may hold against China.

Set to assume office on May 20, Lai claims that he has consistently expressed a willingness to talk with China, but such offers have been denied. He asserts a commitment to maintaining peace and stability across the strait, noting that the future of Taiwan should be determined solely by its people.

Last Sunday, a day after Lai was elected, the Chinese foreign ministry criticized US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for congratulating Lai on his victory, saying it constituted a violation of the One-China Principle.

The following day, Monday, Lai met with a delegation from Washington making a post-election visit.

On Tuesday, Laura Rosenberger, the chair of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), announced that the US will continue extending aid to Taiwan to enhance its defensive capabilities."

"The United States reiterated our long-standing commitments to enable Taiwan to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability," she said, adding that Washington's commitments to Taiwan would stay constant regardless of the electoral results.