Taiwan rushed to deploy combat aircraft and missile systems Sunday, November 28th, to warn Chinese aircraft to leave their air defense buffer zone. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported that China had sent 27 combat aircraft into close proximity with Taiwan and is part of Beijing’s increasing trend to put pressure on the island.
China’s latest excursion Sunday into Taiwan’s airspace included 18 fighter jets, 5 nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, and a Y-20 aerial refueling jet. China deploys aircraft into the region as part of “grey zone” warfare with the island country. Reuters reported that since October 1st Taiwan has claimed more than 150 aircraft have been deployed from the People’s Liberation Army into its air defense zone. In a report made by Fox News, Taiwanese officials fears China conducts these maneuvers in an attempt to scramble the island’s response.
A spokesperson for the People’s Liberation Army, China’s armed forces, stated their military carried out, “naval and air force combat readiness patrol in the direction of the Taiwan Straight”. According to a map provided by Taiwan authorities, the Chinese aircraft flew into Taiwan’s air defense zone on the southern part of the island and out into the Pacific before returning the China.
China’s recent air force mission into Taiwan comes as China’s President Xi attends a military conference where his top priority is to cultivate talent and support in order to gain the upper hand in future wars. Taiwan and China split during a civil war in 1949 with Taiwan being internationally recognized as an independent nation. Although under China’s “One China Principle”, China claims Taiwan as its own territory and is willing to control the island by force if necessary.
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