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China steps up use of combat aircraft in Taiwan sorties as military tries to extend its reach
- The Taiwanese defence ministry says the PLA conducted 555 sorties into its air defence zone in the first half of the year
- Defence analysts say the mainland’s forces are developing their ability to control the skies over a longer range as part of preparations for a possible conflict
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Beijing has steadily increased the number of combat aircraft flying into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone and further south in the Bashi Channel, a move analysts described as part of its efforts to expand its reach around the island.
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According to Taiwan’s defence ministry, the People’s Liberation Army conducted 555 sorties in the first six months of the year, of which 398 involved combat aircraft, compared with 187 in the same period last year.
These warplanes included fighter jets, bombers and attack helicopters.
Beijing, which regards the island as part of its own territory and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control, has been sending patrols into the island’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on almost a daily basis since late 2020 to ramp up pressure on the island.
It has also tried unsuccessfully to force President Tsai Ing-wen, of the independence-leaning Democratic Progressive Party, to accept the one-China principle.
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While the fly-bys were generally seen as one of Beijing’s tactics to intimidate the island, the increased use of combat planes was worth noting, observers said.
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