Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) has confirmed that eight Chinese bombers and four fighter jets entered the country’s south-western air defence identification zone (ADIZ).
According to the MND, eight H-6K nuclear-capable jet bombers and four J-16 fighter jets flew into the ADIZ on 23 January.
The defence ministry noted that China’s Y-8 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft also flew into the ADIZ.
In response, the Taiwanese military scrambled its fighter planes, tasking airborne alert sorties and issuing radio warnings.
Furthermore, it deployed air defence missile systems to monitor the actions of the activity.
Last week, the MND confirmed that three Chinese military aircraft entered the south-western ADIZ.
During the recent months, China has been conducting almost daily military flights over the waters between Taiwan’s southern part and the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea.
Last October, China reportedly announced plans to enforce sanctions on US companies over the sale of weapons to Taiwan.
US Department of State spokesman Ned Price said in a statement: “We urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan’s democratically elected representatives.
“We will continue to assist Taiwan in maintaining a sufficient self-defence capability. Our commitment to Taiwan is rock-solid and contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and within the region.”
