China regularly threatens its military. It is unclear why more fighter jets were now flying towards Taiwan again. However, an important event is coming up on the island.
A few days before the inauguration of Taiwan’s new President Lai Ching-te, China sent more than 40 fighter jets towards the East Asian island republic. In the past 24 hours, 45 aircraft were registered near the island, Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense announced on Wednesday morning (local time) in Taipei. It was the highest number of fighter jets so far this year, after the previous high of 36 aircraft was registered in March. China sends military planes to Taiwan almost every day.
According to the ministry, 26 aircraft this time flew over the median line in the strait between Taiwan and China (Taiwan Strait) and entered the Taiwanese air defense zone north and southwest of the island. The Taiwanese military always has to react to this and in such cases raises its air force. Authorities also discovered six Chinese warships around the island.
There was initially no official reason for the increased number of Chinese military aircraft. Next Monday, however, Taiwan’s new president, Lai, will be inaugurated. The current vice president won the election in January for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which is extremely unpopular in Beijing. The ruling Chinese Communist Party counts Taiwan as part of its territory and accuses the DPP of separatism. Beijing regularly demonstrates its military might in the Taiwan Strait and has threatened to invade.