Beijing, April 9: China on Saturday sent warships and dozens of fighter jets towards Taiwan, according to Taiwanese government.
This is in retaliation for a meeting between the US Housse of Representatives Speaker and the Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-Wen in US recently. China had earlier warned that if the meeting takes place, then it will retaliate against Taiwan.
On Saturday, China kept up its word with the Chinese military announcing the start of three-day “combat readiness patrols” as a warning to the Taiwanese who want to make the island’s de-facto independence permanent.
China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) gave no indication whether they might include a repeat of previous exercises with missiles fired into the sea, which disrupted shipping and airline flights.
On Saturday, eight warships and 71 planes were detected near Taiwan, 45 of which flew across the middle line of the strait that separates it from the mainland, the island’s Ministry of Defense said. It said they included Chenglu J – 10, Shenyang J -11 and Shenyang J – 16 jet fighters.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Navy planned to hold “life fire training” in Luoyuan Bay in Fujian province Opposite Taiwan, the local Maritime Authority announced. Ships were banned during the firing, which also was due to the take place on five dates over the next two weeks.
The PLA said in a statement that this is a serious warning against the collusion and provocation between the Taiwan independence’ separatist forces and external forces. “The joint sword exercises defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the PLA added.
The Global Times, meanwhile, reported that the Chinese plans called for the exercise to include a destroyer, missile boats, ballistic missiles and land-based anti-ship missile and early warning, electronics warfare and tanker aircraft.
Taiwan, on its part, has said that missile defense systems were activated and air and sea patrols sent to track the Chinese aircraft. “We condemn such an irrational act that has jeopardized regional security and stability,” the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense statement said on Saturday.
Taiwan’s Cabinet Affairs Office spokesperson, meanwhile, said, “We will never leave room for ‘Taiwan Independence’ separatist activities in any form and will definitely take resolute measures to defeat any foreign interference”
EOM
