Taiwan has detected 42 Chinese fighter jets entering its air defense zone. The fighter jets were part of military drills conducted by the Chinese military immediately after the recent visit of Taiwan’s Vice President visited the United States.
The PLA Eastern Theater Command said that the one-China principle is an unshakable bottom line as it conducts joint military drills around the Taiwan island in response to secessionist Lai Ching-te's provocative "stopovers" in the US. https://t.co/irhSeEVEOA pic.twitter.com/MU194QBTSO
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) August 19, 2023
China Warns Taiwan
After the recent visit of Taiwanese Vice President William Lai to the US, China initiated naval and air drills around Taiwan to send a strong message to the island. Taiwan said the actions show China’s militaristic mentality and they are closely monitoring the movement of the Chinese military.
Since 0900 (UTC+8) today (Aug. 19), the R.O.C. Armed Forces detected 42 PLA aircraft (including KJ-500, Y-9, J-10, J-11, J-16, SU-30 etc.), 26 of which crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Additionally, the PLA aircraft conducted joint combat patrol with 8 PLAN vessels.
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) August 19, 2023
China Wants To Manipulate Elections
Experts are saying that China is trying to manipulate Taiwanese elections in the coming January. Taiwanese Vice President Mr Lai’s visit also hinted at possible intentions of the US, forcing China to step in. Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said China wishes to shape Taiwan’s upcoming elections.