China conducts largest-ever aerial military demonstration over Taiwan with 52 military aircraft deployed

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Hyun-woo] China has dispatched a record number of military aircraft to the Taiwan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) during the National Day holiday, escalating tensions significantly between the two sides. The U.S. government has also issued a warning to China to cease pressure on Taiwan, indicating that the U.S.-China conflict over the Taiwan Strait is expected to intensify further.

On the 4th at 8 p.m. local time, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported that 52 Chinese military aircraft had violated Taiwan's ADIZ. This is the largest number of Chinese military aircraft to ever enter the ADIZ. According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, the Chinese military deployed 34 J-16 fighter jets, known as their main combat aircraft, along with 2 SU-30 fighter jets, 2 Y-8 anti-submarine patrol aircraft, 2 KJ-500 early warning aircraft, and 12 H-6 bombers.

Since the start of the National Day holiday on the 1st, the Chinese military has continuously dispatched aircraft to the ADIZ, conducting aerial military demonstrations. On the 1st, 38 aircraft entered; on the 2nd, 39; and on the 3rd, 16. Including the 52 on the 4th, a total of 145 Chinese military aircraft have violated Taiwan's ADIZ during the National Day holiday alone.

Earlier, Chang Chun-hui, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese military, stated, "Taiwan is an inseparable part of China's territory, and the Chinese military's patrols are legitimate and lawful," adding that these actions are "necessary to safeguard the safety of the Taiwan Strait and national sovereignty."

As China has raised the level of provocations against Taiwan, the U.S. side has strongly protested. Ned Price, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, said on the 4th (local time), "The entry of Chinese air force aircraft into Taiwan's ADIZ threatens regional stability and peace," and criticized, "China must immediately cease military, diplomatic, and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan."

White House spokesperson Jen Psaki also emphasized during a press briefing that day, "The Biden administration is communicating through confidential diplomatic channels with Taiwan," underscoring the administration's stance that it will not tolerate China's military provocations against Taiwan.