PLA sends 12 aircraft across the median line
MAKING A POINT? The incursions came a day after Antony Blinken discussed Taiwan with Xi Jinping and as the US and Philippines conduct joint military drills
Taiwan yesterday reported renewed Chinese military activity near the nation, with 12 Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait the day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ended his visit to China.
“We detected activities from 22 PLA aircraft ... since 9:30am,” the Ministry of National Defense said in a statement.
It said that 12 aircraft had crossed the median line and “entered Taiwan’s northern and central air defense identification zone.”
The median line once served as an unofficial border that neither sides’ militaries crossed, but China’s air force now regularly sends aircraft over it.
Beijing says it does not recognize the line’s existence.
The aircraft were involved in “joint combat readiness patrols” with Chinese warships, the ministry said.
Taiwanese aircraft and ships responded “appropriately,” it added.
It did not provide details. Blinken traveled to China from Wednesday to Friday to discuss key issues between Washington and Beijing and a range of regional and global matters.
During the meeting between Blinken and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) on Friday, Blinken reiterated that there has been no change to the US’ “one China” policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint Communiques and the “six assurances,” US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
Blinken also expressed concerns about China’s destabilizing actions near the Second Thomas Shoal (Renai Shoal, 仁愛暗沙), and the importance of upholding the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, Miller said.
Blinken told Xi that the US would continue to take necessary actions to defend its interests and values, and those of its allies and partners, he said.
The PLA’s military activity yesterday also comes as the US and Philippines are conducting joint military exercises, including near the potential flashpoints in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
The joint drills involve simulating the retaking of enemy-occupied islands in areas around Taiwan.