Dozens of Chinese fighter jets cross sensitive Taiwan median line as Beijing begins military drills
A Chinese warship began live-fire drills in the seas facing the Taiwan Strait, while Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said it spotted 71 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, crossing the unofficial barrier, as well as nine Chinese ships.
Samuel Osborne
News reporter @samuelosborne93
Saturday 8 April 2023 15:45, UK
Listen to this article
0:00 / 3:37
1X
BeyondWords
Audio created using AI assistance
Taiwan: China conducts military drills
0:53
Play Video – China conducts military drills
China conducts military drills
Why you can trust Sky News
Dozens of Chinese military aircraft crossed the sensitive median line of the Taiwan Strait after China began three days of military exercises around the island.
The drills are in retaliation for a meeting between the US House of Representatives speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwan’s president.
A Chinese amphibious landing ship – capable of transporting troops, craft and vehicles – began live-fire drills in the seas facing the Taiwan Strait on Saturday morning.
Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said as of 4pm local time (9am in the UK) it spotted 71 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, crossing the median line that serves as an unofficial barrier between the two sides, as well as nine Chinese ships.
A Chinese fighter jet performs a mid-air refuelling manoeuvre. Pic: AP
Image:
A Chinese fighter jet performs a mid-air refuelling manoeuvre. Pic: AP
The Taiwan Strait median line is regarded as a buffer between the two countries.
Image:
The Taiwan Strain media line is regarded as a buffer between the two countries.
The People’s Liberation Army said the three-day “combat readiness patrols” were a warning to those in Taiwan who want to make the island’s de facto independence permanent.
The Taiwanese military said missile defence systems were activated and air and sea patrols sent to track the Chinese aircraft.
“We condemn such an irrational act that has jeopardised regional security and stability,” Taiwan’s defence ministry said in a statement.
MORE ON CHINA
Chinese navy ships take part in a military drill in the Taiwan Strait. Pic: CCTV via AP
China and Taiwan ships in stand-off near sensitive buffer zone
Ya Ya pictured in October 2020
Leaving bash for Ya Ya the giant panda ahead of return to China
WUHAN, CHINA – JANUARY 17: (CHINA OUT) A security guard sits outside the closed Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market, which has been linked to cases of Coronavirus, on January 17, 2020 in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. Local authorities have confirmed that a second person in the city has died of a pneumonia-like virus since the outbreak started in December. (Photo by Getty Images)
China accuses WHO of ‘attempting to smear’ Beijing after boss says data about COVID origins ‘should have been shared years ago’
Related Topics:
China
Taiwan
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., right, and Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen deliver statements to the press after a Bipartisan Leadership Meeting at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., Wednesday, April 5, 2023. (AP Photo/Ringo H.W. Chiu)1:32
Play Video – Taiwan’s democracy ‘under threat’
Taiwan’s democracy ‘under threat’
China announced the drills after Taiwan’s president Tsai Ing-wen returned to Taipei from Los Angeles on Thursday, where she met House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Taiwan split from China after a civil war in 1949 and the ruling Communist Party says the island is obliged to rejoin the mainland by force if necessary.
Beijing argues contact with foreign officials encourages Taiwanese people who want formal independence.
“This is a serious warning against the collusion and provocation between the ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and external forces,” the PLA said in a statement.
The “Joint Sword” exercises are a “necessary action to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity”.
A Chinese warship fires towards the shore during a military drill near the Taiwan-controlled Matsu Islands that are close to the Chinese coast
Image:
A Chinese warship fires towards the shore during a military drill near the Taiwan-controlled Matsu Islands close to the Chinese coast
Chinese ships sail in the Taiwan Strait. Pic: AP
Image:
Chinese ships sail in the Taiwan Strait. Pic: AP
US pledges training and weapons
Meanwhile, the chair of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee, Michael McCaul, has pledged to help provide training for Taiwan’s armed forces and speed up the delivery of weapons during a visit to Taipei.
“We are doing everything we can in Congress to speed up these sales and get the weapons that you need to defend
yourselves,” Mr McCaul said. “And we will provide training to your military – not for war, but for peace.
“Projecting weakness only invites aggression and conflict. Projecting strength provides deterrence and promotes peace.”
How a China attack on Taiwan could damage the economy3:31
Play Video – How could a China-Taiwan war hurt the economy?
How could a China-Taiwan war hurt the economy?
‘Complete reunification of our country must be realised’
The US has no official relations with Taiwan’s government but maintains extensive informal and commercial ties. Washington is required by federal law to ensure the island of 22 million people has the means to defend itself if China attacks.
“We will never leave room for ‘Taiwan independence’ separatist activities in any form and will definitely take resolute measures to defeat any foreign interference,” said a spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, Zhu Fenglian, according to the official Xinhua News Agency.
“Complete reunification of our country must be realised, and it can, without doubt, be realised,” Mr Zhu said.
China announced the military drills hours after French President Emmanuel Macron left the country following a meeting with President Xi Jinping and other senior leaders. He urged Beijing to bring Russia to the negotiating table over the war in Ukraine.
Related Topics
China
Taiwan
