China-claimed Taiwan has complained for a year or more of repeated Chinese air force missions near the democratically administered island, usually to the southwest of the defense identification zone. no, or ADIZ, near the Pratas Islands controlled by Taiwan.
Taiwan calls China’s repeated military activities nearby a “gray zone war,” designed to both wear down Taiwan’s forces by making it constantly contested, and to control it. Taiwan’s response.
China’s latest mission includes 18 fighter jets plus five nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, as well as unusually, a Y-20 aerial refueling plane, Taiwan’s ministry said. said.
The bombers and six of the fighters flew to the south of Taiwan into the Bashi Channel, which separates the island from the Philippines, then out into the Pacific Ocean before turning back to China, according to a report. maps provided by this Department.
Those planes were accompanied by refueling planes, indicating that China has refueled its longer-range fighters in flight, a skill the country’s air force is still trying to hone. to be able to project power further from China’s shores.
The ministry said Taiwan had sent fighter jets to warn the Chinese planes, while missile systems were deployed to track them.
There was no immediate comment from China, which has previously said such moves were exercises aimed at defending the country’s sovereignty.
However, Chinese state media reported President Xi Jinping held a three-day meeting ending Sunday with the country’s top officials to discuss how to further strengthen armed forces through the cultivation of talents.
While his speech was read without mentioning Taiwan directly, Mr. Xi stressed the need to modernize the military to be able to win wars.
“A great deal of effort is needed to enhance the level of science and technology and enhance the practical ability to win modern wars,” Xi was quoted as saying by the Xinhua news agency.
“It is necessary to increase practical experience and encourage and guide cadres and soldiers to go through the rain and wind, see the world, strengthen muscles and bones, and promote talents in training blood and fire”.
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