China deployed 45 warplanes and 10 warships into areas around Taiwan on Monday, the Taiwanese defense ministry said. In response, Taiwan responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said.
“10 PLAN vessels and 45 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (August 9, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems,” MND said in a tweet.
10 PLAN vessels and 45 PLA aircraft around our surrounding region were detected today (August 9, 2022) until 1700(GMT+8). #ROCArmedForces have monitored the situation and responded to these activities with aircraft in CAP, naval vessels, and land-based missile systems. pic.twitter.com/Qb9xl4wOIB
— Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. (@MoNDefense) August 9, 2022
The median line in the narrow strait between the island of Taiwan and mainland China is an unofficial line of control that military aircraft and battleships from either side normally do not cross.
Taiwan scrambled a combat air patrol, sent radio warnings, and deployed defensive missile systems to expel Chinese military planes and vessels, the MND said in a statement, Taiwanese media said in a report.
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China has launched various military drills in maritime zones around Taiwan since August 4. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has been deploying warships and aircraft around Tawian after U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan on August 3.
China, which considers Taiwan as part of its territory, had vowed an unspecified military response to Pelosi’s visit that risks sparking a crisis between the world’s biggest economies. China had repeatedly warned the US that it would view Pelosi’s visit as a major provocation.
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Meanwhile, Taiwan’s military held a live-fire artillery drill simulating a defence of the island against an attack after days of massive Chinese war games.
Lou Woei-jye, spokesman for Taiwan’s Eighth Army Corps, confirmed the drills started in the southern county of Pingtung shortly after 0040 GMT with the firing of target flares and artillery, ending within an hour at 0130 GMT.
China has said it will continue its joint exercises surrounding Taiwan without, as per Chinese state media.
MND has responded to the attacks and said it would stand firm in expelling all Chinese warships and warplanes found crossing the median line to ensure they do not enter Taiwan’s territorial waters.
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