‘Record number’ of Chinese jets in Taiwan’s air defence zone

TIL Desk/World/Taipei/ As many as 28 Chinese military aircraft were seen flying into Taiwan’s air defence zone, said its defence ministry, the largest reported incursion so far. Fighters and nuclear-capable bombers were among those in the so-called air defence identification zone (ADIZ).The incident comes after Nato leaders on Monday warned of the military challenge posed by China.

While democratic Taiwan sees itself as a sovereign state, Beijing views the island as a breakaway province. According to Taipei, the Chinese mission included 14 J-16, six J-11 fighters, four nuclear capable H-6 bombers as well as anti-submarine, electronic warfare and early warning aircraft.

An air defence identification zone is an area outside of a country’s territory and national airspace but where foreign aircraft are still identified, monitored, and controlled in the interest of national security.

 It is self-declared and technically remains international airspace. The Chinese aircraft flew close to the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, as well as around the southern part of Taiwan itself. On January 24, a similar mission saw 15 aircraft entering Taiwan’s air defence zone while on April 12, Taiwan reported 25 jets.