Current:Home > MyChina keeps up military pressure on Taiwan, sending 43 planes and 7 ships near self-governing island-LoTradeCoin
China keeps up military pressure on Taiwan, sending 43 planes and 7 ships near self-governing island
View Date:2024-12-24 00:01:03
TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — Taiwan said Wednesday that China sent 43 military aircraft and seven ships near the self-ruled island, the latest sign that Beijing plans no let-up in its campaign of harassment, threats and intimidation.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said the figure was current for the 24 hours up to 6:00 a.m. Wednesday and that 37 of the aircraft had crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait, which China no longer recognizes as an informal divider between the sides.
It said Taiwan had monitored the situation, scrambled jet fighters, dispatched ships and activated land-based missile systems, all standard responses to Chinese military activities, which include crossing into Taiwan’s air defense identification zone but not into its actual airspace.
Such Chinese maneuvers have become frequent and aggressive since then- U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan in August 2022. China suspended military communication with the U.S. to show its displeasure over her trip to Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of its territory to be brought under under its control by force if necessary.
China’s military maneuvers are seen as intended to break down Taiwanese morale, exhausting its pilots and other personnel and wearing down its equipment. Despite that, the present status of de-facto independence remains widely popular among the island’s voters and the defense budget has been increased to purchase new equipment from the U.S., its chief ally, and to produce some items locally, including submarines.
At an international defense forum in Beijing on Monday, China’s second-ranking military official Gen. Zhang Youxia reiterated threats by the Chinese government to retaliate against moves toward establishing Taiwan’s formal independence, saying that “no matter who tries to split Taiwan from China in any form, China and the Chinese military will never allow that to happen.”
Zhang, who is also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, which oversees the world’s largest standing military, opened the three-day event in the absence of former Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu, who would have normally hosted the event.
Li was removed from his position last week after a two-month absence from public view. The government has not provided any reason for his removal.
veryGood! (6275)
Related
- Video shows Starlink satellite that resembled fireball breaking up over the Southwest: Watch
- Military names 5 Marines killed in helicopter crash in California mountains. All were in their 20s.
- Texas attorney sentenced to 6 months in alleged abortion attempt of wife's baby
- Phil is forever, but his wives are not: Groundhog heartbreak is captivating millions on the internet
- Mike Tyson-Jake Paul: How to watch the fight, time, odds
- Toby Keith's son pays emotional tribute to country star: 'Strongest man I have ever known'
- Wayne Kramer, late guitarist of rock band MC5, also leaves legacy of bringing music to prisons
- Indianapolis man arrested after stabbing deaths of 2 women in their 50s
- Louisiana man kills himself and his 1-year-old daughter after a pursuit
- Video shows kangaroo hopping around Tampa apartment complex before being captured
Ranking
- Deion Sanders addresses trash thrown at team during Colorado's big win at Texas Tech
- The 2024 Super Bowl is expected to obliterate betting records
- An Oklahoma judge who sent more than 500 texts during a murder trial resigns
- Toby Keith's son pays emotional tribute to country star: 'Strongest man I have ever known'
- Kate Spade Outlet’s Early Black Friday Sale – Get a $259 Bag for $59 & More Epic Deals Starting at $25
- Utah school board member who questioned student's gender faces calls to resign
- Minnesota might be on the verge of a normal legislative session after a momentous 2023
- 3 arrested on drug charges in investigation of killing of woman found in a container on a sandbar
Recommendation
-
Gun groups sue to overturn Maine’s new three-day waiting period to buy firearms
-
Michigan lottery club to split $6 million win, pay off mortgages
-
How murdered Hollywood therapist Amie Harwick testified at her alleged killer's trial
-
Caitlin Clark, please don't break scoring record on Super Bowl Sunday. For once, just be average.
-
Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn is ending her retirement at age 40 to make a skiing comeback
-
South Dakota deputy killed on duty honored with flashing emergency lights, packed stadium
-
Former Mets GM Billy Eppler suspended through World Series for fabricating injuries
-
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson wins his second career NFL MVP award