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By Ryan Chan
China News Reporter
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A Taiwanese F-16V fighter jet, supplied by its security partner the United States, has put a Chinese military drone in its gunsight over the contested waters around the self-ruled island.
Newsweek has reached out to the Chinese Defense Ministry for comment by email.
Why It Matters
Communist China has long claimed that Taiwan is part of its own territory, despite never having governed the island. Beijing has threatened that it "reserves all options" against Taiwan, which includes the use of force, warning that "this will never change at any time."
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The Chinese military has sent aircraft and vessels around Taiwan for patrols and exercises on a daily basis. It carried out three large-scale drills around the island last year, including one that a U.S. military commander called the "largest invasion rehearsal" of his career.
The U.S. has provided Taiwan with defensive arms as required by the Taiwan Relations Act, including fighter jets and tanks, to deter a Chinese attack against the island.
What To Know
The Taiwanese Defense Ministry announced that the Chinese military deployed a total of 59 manned and unmanned aircraft plus nine naval vessels around the island in the 24 hours to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, in addition to at least two balloons.
According to the statement, 43 Chinese military aircraft were detected flying within Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), which is a defined sector of international airspace that requires the identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security.
Photos show the Taiwanese military tracked two Chinese military drones approaching the island's sovereign airspace. They were monitored by an F-16V fighter jet and a P-3C maritime surveillance aircraft. Both nations' navies encountered each other at sea as well.
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The Japanese Defense Ministry confirmed that two Chinese drones were detected flying between Taiwan and Japan's westernmost island of Yonaguni on Monday. The 67-mile-wide waterway between the two islands has frequently seen activity by the Chinese military.
According to a map provided by the Japanese military, the Chinese drones transited the waterway, also known as the "Yonaguni Gap," from the East China Sea to the north. They flew south off Taiwan's east coast and later turned around and headed back to China.
The Taiwanese military on Tuesday conducted drills to enhance its readiness and response capabilities, including tactical maneuvers, key asset protection, concealment, and cover operations.
"If you want peace, prepare for war," it said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
What People Are Saying
The Taiwanese Defense Ministry said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday: "The [Republic of China Armed Forces] closely monitor maritime and aerial activities, with the [Republic of China Army], [Republic of China Navy], and [Republic of China Air Force] conducting joint operations to track and respond to [People's Liberation Army] incursions. Our mission is to always be prepared to defend the nation!"
The Republic of China Armed Forces and the People's Liberation Army are the official names of the militaries of Taiwan and China, respectively.
Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a press conference on Monday of recent Chinese drills: " China's relevant military operation is necessary, lawful and legitimate in order to defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. It's a firm response to external forces who are hell-bent on abetting and aiding 'Taiwan independence,' and a warning to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces' unconscionable acts."
What Happens Next
China will continue to exert pressure on Taiwan by deploying forces around the island. It remains to be seen whether Taiwan will further increase its defense spending as the power gap across the Taiwan Strait grows, including additional purchase of U.S. weapons.
https://public.flourish.studio/story/2973206/
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