Record number of Chinese warplanes fly near Taiwan in military exercise

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said on Tuesday (15) that it detected a record number of 153 Chinese military aircraft participating in China’s military exercises around the island on Monday (14), detailing an increase in aircraft activity. war.

China said the day-long exercise, designated “Joint Sword-2024B”, was a warning against “separatist acts” following a national day speech last week by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, which Beijing had denounced.

The exercises were not only a concern for Taiwan, but risked destabilizing the region, Premier Cho Jung-tai said.

“Any exercise without prior notice will cause great disruption to peace and stability throughout the region,” he told reporters in Taipei.

“China’s exercises not only affect Taiwan’s neighborhood, but also seriously affect all international navigation rights and air and sea space, thereby attracting the attention of other countries,” he added.

In a daily update on Chinese military activity around the island, Taiwan’s defense ministry said it had spotted 153 military aircraft, surpassing Monday’s figure of 125 that it had called a single-day record.

A ministry map showed that 28 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which previously served as an unofficial barrier but which China says it does not recognize.

Other areas that saw activity were the waters off the southeast coast, home to a large Taiwanese air base, and to the southwest, in the upper South China Sea, home to the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands.

Also spotted were 14 Chinese navy ships and 12 “official” vessels, the ministry said, referring to ships from the coast guard and similar agencies.

China’s exercises have sparked concern from the United States and its allies, with the Pentagon criticizing them as “irresponsible, disproportionate and destabilizing.”

China’s pressure attempts have only solidified support for Taipei, said Kuan Bi-ling, head of Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council, which commands the coast guard.

“China’s exercise, although intended to put military pressure on Taiwan and the international community, backfired and led to greater international solidarity against China’s expansionist behavior,” she wrote on her Facebook page.

Taiwan rejects Beijing’s territorial claims, saying only the island’s people can decide its future.

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This content was originally published in Record number of Chinese warplanes fly near Taiwan in military exercise on the CNN Brasil website.

Source: CNN Brasil

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