China launches second combat patrol near Taiwan in just one week
Photo: In Taiwan, they say there are already 100 Chinese ships in the first island chain (Getty Images)
On Monday, Taiwan dispatched ships and fighter jets to monitor China’s second combat patrol of the week near the island, Reuters reports.
Yesterday evening, May 25, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that it had detected 21 Chinese aircraft, including J-16 fighter jets and drones, operating around the island. According to the statement, the Chinese aircraft, along with military ships, were conducting joint patrols to maintain combat readiness.
Last Tuesday, China conducted a similar patrol, which took place the day before Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te marked the second anniversary of his term in office. It is well known that Beijing views Lai as a separatist and has rejected his numerous proposals for negotiations.
Last weekend, Taiwan announced that its coast guard had clashed with a Chinese coast guard vessel near the Pratas Islands, which are strategically located in the northern part of the South China Sea.
Specifically, Joseph Wu, Secretary-General of Taiwan’s National Security Council, reported on social media about 100 Chinese vessels that, according to him, are currently in the first island chain. This refers to the area stretching from Japan through Taiwan to the Philippines.
Important to know
China considers democratically governed Taiwan to be its territory and conducts flights over the island almost daily. However, Taipei rejects Beijing’s claims to sovereignty over the island.
Taiwan is currently on high alert for further actions by China. This follows a discussion between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Donald Trump regarding the island.
After meeting with Xi Jinping, Trump stated that he did not support Taiwan declaring independence and wants to avoid an escalation in relations with China.
During the summit, the Chinese leader warned that wrong decisions regarding Taiwan could lead to conflict between China and the United States.
