Chinese Military Aircraft Enters Taiwan Air Defense Identification Zone

Taiwan Air Force Scrambles in Response, Withdraws After Warning Broadcast
US State Department Economic Deputy Secretary Visits Taiwan Amid Potential Additional Provocations

[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Cho Young-shin] Ahead of US Deputy Secretary of State for Economic Affairs Keith Krach's visit to Taiwan, Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), Taiwanese media reported on the 17th.

In early August, during US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alice Aja's visit to Taiwan, two Chinese fighter jets crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait between China and Taiwan, prompting an emergency scramble by Taiwanese Air Force jets, creating a moment of tension.

According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, two Chinese military 'Yun (運, Y)-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft' entered from the southwest direction of Taiwan's ADIZ on the 16th.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense stated that the two Chinese anti-submarine patrol aircraft conducted reconnaissance activities by circling in the southwest area of Taiwan's ADIZ.

The Taiwanese Air Force immediately scrambled and issued warning broadcasts, and later the Chinese anti-submarine patrol aircraft exited the ADIZ.

Taiwanese media analyzed that the Chinese anti-submarine patrol aircraft repeatedly circled in this area to conduct reconnaissance of underwater activities such as submarines.

During Deputy Secretary Krach's stay in Taiwan from the 17th to the 19th, the possibility of further provocations by the Chinese military cannot be ruled out.

Meanwhile, the US State Department delegation led by Deputy Secretary Krach arrived in Taipei in the afternoon and began the official Taiwan visit schedule.

Taiwan's Central News Agency reported that during his visit, Deputy Secretary Krach will meet with various senior Taiwanese officials including President Tsai Ing-wen and Premier Su Tseng-chang, discussing a wide range of issues including preparations for economic and commercial dialogues, industrial supply chain security, and cooperation in technology and energy.