China Conducts Military Show of Force with 28 Fighter Jets and Bombers over Taiwan Strait
"Do Not Confront the Powerful Chinese Military" Warning
[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Jo Young-shin] Chinese People's Liberation Army reportedly conducted air training on the Taiwan Strait on the 15th, deploying a total of 28 aircraft including fighter jets and bombers, according to Chinese media. This is interpreted as a show of force in response to the mention of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait in the joint statement of the Group of Seven (G7) summit.
China's state-run Global Times reported on the 17th that a total of 28 aircraft belonging to the Chinese military conducted military training over the Taiwan Strait, including 14 J-16 fighter jets, 6 J-11 fighter jets, 4 H-6 strategic bombers, 2 KJ-500 early warning aircraft, 1 Y-8 electronic warfare aircraft, and 1 Y-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft.
In this regard, the Taiwanese military authorities stated that Chinese military aircraft, including fighter jets, violated the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to the Global Times. The Taiwanese military added that this was the largest scale since they began monitoring Chinese military flights last year.
Chinese military expert Wei Dongxu said, "This large-scale training not only strengthens control over the Taiwan Strait but also signifies the improvement of the Chinese Air Force's combat capabilities," adding, "One should not confront the powerful Chinese military." He further criticized, "The United States is giving blank checks to Taiwan to contain China."
The Global Times reported that a joint statement supporting Taiwan separatists was issued following the G7 summit. This suggests that the recent training serves as a warning to the United States, other Western countries, and Taiwanese authorities.
Ma Xiaoguang, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council of China, warned regarding the large-scale air training, saying, "Taiwan is cooperating with Western forces for independence," and "China will not allow anyone to separate Taiwan from China."
There is also analysis that this large-scale air training is a response to the entry of the Ronald Reagan U.S. aircraft carrier strike group into the South China Sea. In fact, the large-scale air training was conducted just one day after the U.S. carrier strike group entered the South China Sea.
Regarding Taiwan and South China Sea issues, Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe reiterated at the ASEAN Defense Ministers' Meeting held on the 15th, "China's determination to safeguard core national interests, including issues related to Taiwan and the South China Sea, remains unwavering." Minister Wei added, "Regarding the South China Sea issue, relevant countries should unite, coordinate differences, and cooperate."
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