Taiwan says 47 Chinese planes crossed Taiwan Strait amid new Chinese military exercises

() — Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said 47 Chinese aircraft crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait into its air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Sunday, as Beijing announced new military exercises around Taiwan.

The raids were carried out by 42 J-10, J-11, J-16 and Su-30 fighter jets, two Y-8 maritime patrol planes, a KJ-500 early warning plane, as well as a CH-4 and a WZ-7 military drone, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said, in the largest Chinese military incursion into Taiwan’s ADIZ since China conducted large-scale military exercises on the island following a visit by the Speaker of the Taiwan House of Representatives. United States, Nancy Pelosi, in August of this year.

Taiwan added that a total of 71 Chinese aircraft were seen around the island, and that the Taiwan military has responded to these activities by assigning combat air patrol planes, navy ships and ground-based missile systems.

The activities came as the Chinese army’s Eastern Theater Command said on Sunday that it conducted a joint combat readiness patrol and “drill drills” in Taiwan, in response to “provocations” between Taiwan and the US. , without providing specific details.

“The troops will take all necessary measures to resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Eastern Theater Command said.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry responded in a statement late Sunday that it is confident in defending its sovereignty.

“The Chinese Communist Party’s actions highlighted its mindset of using force to resolve differences, which undermines regional peace and stability,” he said.

“Taiwan-US cooperation will help safeguard a free, open and stable Indo-Pacific region. The military will continue to strengthen military readiness based on enemy threats and self-defense needs,” it added.