Taipei/Beijing: China has vowed to fight to the end to gain control over Taiwan and has stepped up its anti-Taiwan actions. A few days ago, 29 Chinese fighter jets and bombers entered Taiwanese airspace. Along with aircraft, even Chinese warships are now trying to get closer to Taiwanese maritime territory. Chinese warships patrolled the Yilan and Hualin areas off the east coast of Taiwan. This becomes significant as this is the first time the Chinese warships have sailed through the region.
On Tuesday, two Chinese destroyers travelled further towards the Japanese island of Yonagumi and entered the Pacific Ocean region. During the voyage, the Chinese wreckage passed near Kilung, Yilan, and Hualing, part of Taiwan’s northern and eastern coasts. Chinese warships have never used this route in the past. But now, suddenly entering and patrolling the area near the east coast of Taiwan is a matter of grave concern for Taiwan. The Department of Defence clarified that Taiwan is keeping a close eye on the ongoing movements from China near the Taiwanese maritime area.
In addition to the destroyers, Chinese fighter jets have also changed the path to infiltrate. Until now, Chinese aircraft have focused on infiltrating western and southern Taiwan. But on Tuesday, Chinese fighter jets and bombers infiltrated the area near Orchid Island, southeast of Taiwan. The area is farther than the areas being infiltrated by the Chinese aircraft. Therefore, indications are that China is increasing the scope of its infiltration against Taiwan.
After Tuesday’s incursion, Chinese planes again made a massive intrusion on Thursday. On Thursday, 22 People’s Liberation Army Air Force fighter jets and bombers entered Taiwanese airspace. This is the first time this year that a large-scale intrusion has occurred for the second time in just 48 hours.
The routes changed by the Destroyers and the infiltration of more than 20 aircraft twice in 48 hours show that China is expanding the scope of its ‘Grey Zone Warfare.’ A few days ago, the Chinese army and navy held a major exercise to occupy the island country off the coast of Taiwan. China has pursued a policy of constantly keeping the Taiwanese government and security forces under pressure through exercises and infiltrations near Taiwan.
In the past, such exercises or infiltrations were carried out once a month from China. But now, the infiltration is going on for 20 to 22 days a month and China is organizing an anti-Taiwan exercise weekly. By this, China has adopted a policy of bringing Taiwan to its knees.
US reconnaissance aircraft patrols in Taiwan Strait
Taipei/Washington: A P8-A Poseidon surveillance aircraft of the US Navy patrolled the Taiwan Strait. The US Defence Department said Friday’s patrol was part of the ‘free and open Indo-Pacific policy.’ The US Indo-Pacific Command said that the United States has the right to travel through the Taiwan Strait under international law.
The last few months have seen a series of squabbles between the United States and China over the Taiwan issue. A few days ago, the United States backed the Taiwanese position that the Taiwan Strait is an international sea route. China then lambasted the United States. It also issued warnings to Taiwan and the United States by testing new missiles. Since then, US planes have been seen patrolling in the region defying Chinese pressure.
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