Taiwan reports flurry of mainland Chinese military aircraft around island
- More than 20 People’s Liberation Army planes and drones spotted in three hours, Taiwanese defence ministry says
- Activity comes in the countdown to William Lai’s inauguration on May 20
“We detected activities from 22 PLA aircraft ... since 9.30am,” it said in a statement released at 12.10pm on Saturday.
The median line bisects the Taiwan Strait, a narrow 180km (110-mile) waterway separating the island from mainland China.
Beijing, which does not recognise the line, claims democratic Taiwan as part of its territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control. Most countries, including the United States, do not recognise Taiwan as an independent state, but Washington is opposed to any attempt to take the self-governed island by force and is committed to arm Taiwan.
Under the administration of Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, tensions between Beijing and Taipei have ramped up, as she and her government have rejected Beijing’s claim to the island.
Saturday’s show of military might comes as the United States and the Philippines are conducting joint military exercises, including near the potential flashpoints of the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
The joint drills involve a simulation of retaking enemy-occupied islands in areas facing Taiwan.
Beijing has accused Washington of “stoking military confrontation”.