US and Australia warn China over rising Chinese aircraft invasion in Taiwan's airspace

Taipei/Canberra/Beijing: – The United States and Australia have fired salvos of criticism on Chinese intrusions into the Taiwanese airspace. US spokeswoman Jane Psaki said Chinese military action was provocative and that the United States is standing firmly behind Taiwan. Australian foreign ministry has also objected to the Chinese incursions, warning China not to use force to destabilize the Indo-Pacific. The Taiwanese President has responded sternly to the Chinese incursions. Besides, she warned that these Chinese attempts to invade could affect regional peace.

In the last four days, about 150 Chinese planes have intruded into the Taiwanese Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ). On Monday, 56 Chinese People’s Liberation Army planes raided the Taiwanese ADIZ. The Taiwan Ministry of Defence; the Chinese intrusions have increased by more than 50 per cent this year.

China has been intruding Taiwanese ADIZ since March 2019. Last year, Chinese planes infiltrated 380 times. However, in October 2021, the number of Chinese planes intruding into the country’s airspace went up to 600. Moreover, according to Taiwan’s Defence Ministry, China has carried out 149 intrusions in the last four days. These intrusions by the Chinese aircraft is part of ‘Grey Zone Warfare’ aimed at eroding Taiwan’s defences and morale. Analysts have also claimed that the movements of the Chinese aircraft, over the past few days, demonstrate the Chinese capabilities for an offensive against Taiwan.

Chinese actions have provoked strong reactions from the international community, including Taiwan. White House spokeswoman Jane Psaki said ‘The United States is deeply concerned about the provocative military activities of China, near Taiwan. Chinese actions are threatening and undermining peace and stability. China should immediately end its military, political and economic pressure on Taiwan.’ She also said that the United States would continue its policy of providing defence assistance to Taiwan. Along with the United States, Australia has also expressed displeasure over the Chinese intrusion.

The Australian Foreign Ministry warned ‘The growing Chinese intrusion is worrisome. China should not resort to force, coercion or intimidation to resolve the Taiwan issue.’ At the same time, the foreign ministry also retorted that the Indo-Pacific region needs to be protected and international regulations must be complied with. Former Australian PM Tony Abbott is currently visiting Taiwan.

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and Prime Minister Suu Kyi have also reacted aggressively to Chinese incursions. President Tsai Ing-wen has warned that Taiwan does not want a military conflict but can take extreme measures for its security if democracy and livelihoods are threatened. At the same time, Ing-wen also warned that if Taiwan is defeated in the face of Chinese aggression, it will be disastrous for peace in Asia. Prime Minister Su Tseng-Chang has said that the growing Chinese intrusion is an attempt to cross the limit.

Meanwhile, it has been reported that a French delegation will visit Taiwan in defiance of Chinese warnings. A panel of French parliamentarians will visit the Taiwanese parliament next Friday, according to the Taiwanese government. The Chinese ambassador to France had warned French members not to visit Taiwan.