Taiwan scrambles jets to follow Chinese aircraft holding drill near island

Taiwan says it has sent aircraft to follow Chinese fighter jets in flight during a combat simulation drill over a strategic South China Sea waterway.

China had deployed an unspecified number of Xian H-6 bombers, Su-30 fighter jets and Y-8 transport aircraft over Bashi Channel on their way to the West Pacific Ocean during military exercises on Monday, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said.

Chinese fighter jets carried out combat patrols over the waterway that connects the South China Sea with the West Pacific.

Taiwan’s aircraft followed the jets until they returned to their base in the mainland, the ministry said.

This came less than a week after Taiwan sent its ships and aircraft to shadow a Chinese aircraft carrier group that sailed through the Taiwan Strait.

Taipei claims that China has increased its military activities around the self-ruled island during the past year. Beijing, however, says it has no hostile intent.

Tensions have been running high between Taipei and Beijing over a law adopted by the United States some two weeks ago, which encourages visits between US and Taiwanese officials “at all levels.”

Infuriated by the law, China’s President Xi Jinping delivered his strongest warning ever to Taiwan and said it would face the “punishment of history” for any attempt to split the mainland.

SS