Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Taiwan hurled sharp criticism of China after a total of 58 jet the country entered Taiwan airspace two days in a row.
On Saturday (2/10), as many as 20 Chinese fighter jets re-entered Taiwan’s airspace, following 38 other fighter jets also passing through the country’s airspace on Friday (1/10).
This is considered the largest attack ever carried out by the Chinese air force against Taiwan’s air defense zone. Taiwan is a democratically governed island that is claimed by China.
“China has recklessly engaged in military aggression, undermining regional peace,” Taiwan Prime Minister Su Tseng-chang told reporters on Saturday morning, as quoted by Reuters.
Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Joseph Wu also criticized China’s attitude.
“Threatening? Of course,” he added.
China has not commented on this.
Over the past year, Taiwan has repeatedly complained about Chinese air force missions flying near Taiwan. The planes frequently fly in the southwest part of Taiwan’s air defense zone near the Pratas Islands.
China continues to increase military and political pressure to try to force Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty. Meanwhile Taiwan says it is an independent country and will defend its freedom and democracy.
Friday’s 38 jet attack
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said the Taiwanese army rushed against the 38 Chinese planes that came in the two waves. Taiwan is said to have sent counter warplanes to warn Chinese planes. In addition, missile systems were also deployed to monitor them.
The first attack wave consisted of 18 J-16s and four Su-30 fighter jets plus two nuclear-capable H-6 bombers and an anti-submarine aircraft, while the second had 10 J-16s, 2 H-6s and early warning. aircraft, the ministry said.
The first batch of Chinese planes all flew in areas close to the Pratas Islands, with the two bombers flying closest to the atoll, according to a map released by the ministry.
The second group flew into the Bashi Strait which separates Taiwan from the Philippines, the main waterway linking the Pacific with the disputed South China Sea.
20 jets to follow Saturday
On Saturday, the ministry reported further strikes, this time involving 20 aircraft, all combat aircraft apart from two anti-submarine aircraft. They also fly around Pratas.
China has previously said such flights were carried out to protect the country’s sovereignty and aimed at countering “collusion” between Taiwan and the United States, which it says is the island’s most important international backer.
The previous largest attack occurred in June, involving 28 Chinese air force aircraft. China’s latest mission comes less than a day after his government launched a verbal attack on Wu.
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