China Military Aircraft Circles Taiwan Ahead of New President’s Inauguration – Tensions Rise

Jakarta –

Military aircraft China back on the air around Taiwan. Ministry of Defence Taiwan Friday (3/5) that they had spotted 26 aircraft and five Chinese naval vessels around the self-governing island in the previous 24 hours.

This comes a few weeks before the May 20 inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, who is considered by the Chinese government to be a dangerous separatist.

Reported by the news agency AFPOn Friday (3/5/2024), a statement from Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said that 17 of the 26 aircraft even “crossed the median line and entered the ADIZ (air defense identification zone) in northern and central Taiwan”.

The line crosses the Taiwan Strait, a narrow 180-kilometer (110-mile) waterway that separates the island from mainland China.

Beijing, which does not recognize the line, claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory. Beijing even vowed to use force if necessary to bring the island under its control.

Under the administration of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen, tensions between Beijing and Taipei have increased, as she and her government reject China’s claims to the island.

His deputy, Lai Ching-te, won the island’s presidential election in January, despite warnings from Beijing that it would bring him “war and obstacles”. Taiwan.

(it/it)