Status: 03.10.2021 10:00 a.m.
Once again, Chinese fighter jets caused a stir in Taiwan. According to Taiwanese information, 39 machines penetrated the air defense zone – apparently a show of force shortly before the national holiday.
For the second day in a row, many aircraft belonging to the Chinese armed forces are said to have entered Taiwan’s air defense zone. 39 military aircraft had been in Taiwan’s airspace – 20 on Saturday near the Pratas Islands and another 19 on Sunday night, said the Ministry of Defense in Taipei. Most of them were J-17 and SU-30 machines.
Taiwanese fighter planes rose in two waves to drive away the Chinese planes. In addition, air defense systems have been activated for monitoring, according to the ministry.
There was a similar provocation only on Friday: 38 Chinese fighter planes flew into the area south of the island republic.
Provocation before the national holiday
Taiwan has been complaining about regular airspace violations by Chinese fighter planes for more than a year, especially in the southwest of the country and in the airspace over the Pratas Islands. On Saturday, Taiwan’s Prime Minister Su Tseng-chang described the actions as “wanton military aggression”.
President Tsai Ing-wen is expected to give a speech on National Day in Taiwan next weekend. At a military parade in Taipei, the air force is said to be present with an overflight.
According to Taiwan, this Chinese KJ-500 early warning aircraft also took part in the flights to the island nation’s air defense zone.
Image: EPA
Beijing does not recognize Taiwan
China has not yet commented on the airspace violations. The Beijing government regards Taiwan as a breakaway province and does not recognize its democratically elected government. The states split during a civil war in 1949, as a result of which the communists took control of mainland China and the rival nationalists established a government in Taiwan.
Taiwan, on the other hand, declares that it is an independent state and will defend freedom and democracy. The island republic is only recognized internationally by very few states. The United States is one of Taiwan’s most important supporters. Among other things, they supply modern weapon systems.
Germany has no diplomatic relations with Taiwan. The Foreign Office speaks of “value partners that are important to one another and are linked by close and substantial economic, cultural and scientific relationships.”