Taiwan’s defense ministry announced on Thursday that 39 aircraft had entered Taiwan’s southeastern air defense zone. The Taiwanese government then launched 21 fighter jets and four H-6 bombers to warn the Chinese aircraft, the Handelszeitung writes.
According to Taiwan’s report, three Chinese naval vessels were also spotted near Taiwan. The planes flew over the Bashi Channel to an area on Taiwan’s southeast coast, according to Taiwan.
In 1949, Taiwan and China split. Yet China does not want to recognize Taiwan’s independence. Xi Jinping wants to reunite the small island nation with the mainland. Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen pursues other goals: she wants to get closer to the West. Again and again there is tension and provocation. (jwg)