Taiwan has reported Chinese warplanes and warships around the island, including those crossing the Taiwan Strait median line, as Beijing continues military activities with three weeks to go before the island state votes. Taiwan has complained for four years of regular Chinese military patrols and drills near the island.
Taiwan’s defence ministry detected J-10, J-11, and J-16 fighters and early warning aircraft operating in the airspace to north, middle, and southwest of Taiwan. Ten aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait median line, working with Chinese warships to carry out joint combat readiness patrols.
Taiwan’s government has reportedly launched military activities near the median line, which was once an unofficial barrier between the two sides. China has not commented on these actions, but has described them as aimed at preventing “collusion” between Taiwan separatists and the US and protecting China’s territorial integrity.
Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and believes only the island’s people can decide their future. Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party’s Lai Ching-te is the frontrunner for president, while the opposition Kuomintang supports Beijing’s ties and pledges to reopen dialogue if elected.
