Taiwan’s Defense Ministry denounced a new combat patrol carried out by China near the island. According to authorities, as of 7 am (2300 GMT) this Wednesday, 26 Chinese military aircraft, including J-16 fighters, were detected operating in the north, center and south of Taiwan and carrying out a “joint patrol of combat readiness” with Chinese warships.
Although the Chinese Ministry of Defense did not respond to immediate comments from Reuters, this move follows recent statements by the spokesperson for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office. During a news conference in Beijing, the official said the Chinese government has the legal authority to protect the country’s territorial integrity, backing new guidelines issued last week to sanction what Beijing defines as separatist acts.
Such comments drew condemnation from both Taiwan and the United States. Since Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te took office last month, he has denounced that China has carried out multiple war exercises that have increased tensions and the risk of confrontation between both countries.
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Source: Reuters
