Taiwan says 18 Chinese planes entered the air defense identification zone

Makung Air Base in Taiwan’s Penghu Island – Photo: REUTERS

On May 6, Reuters news agency quoted Taiwan’s defense agency as confirming that on the same day, China’s aircraft group included six J-11 fighters, six J-16s and two H bombers -6, 2 early warning aircraft KJ-500, 1 electronic warfare aircraft Y-8, 1 anti-submarine aircraft Y-8 entered the air defense zone of this territory.

Bombers and a Y-8 anti-submarine aircraft flew from southern Taiwan through the Bashi Strait between the territory and the Philippines. Another plane flew from the Dongsha Islands, which are currently controlled by Taiwan.

Taiwan has sent fighter jets to warn Chinese planes and deployed anti-aircraft missiles to “observe activities”. The Chinese plane did not enter Taiwan’s airspace and there were no incidents.

The Chinese Ministry of National Defense has not yet commented on the incident. Beijing has always considered Taiwan part of its territory.

The day before, on May 5, China sent six aircraft into Taiwan’s ADIZ. In January 2022, China sent 39 aircraft, mostly fighter jets, into their ADIZ. Together with the October 2nd, 2021, this is the second largest ADIZ penetration that Taiwan has recorded.

Earlier this month, Japan’s Ministry of Defense also said that the Liaoning aircraft carrier and seven escorting naval vessels passed between the islands of the Okinawa island chain south of Japan on May 2.

The Japanese side confirmed that the Chinese group of ships had not entered Japan’s territorial waters, although helicopters on the Liaoning aircraft carrier performed take-off and landing operations.

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