Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence (MOD) reported that China flew a sortie of 29 aircraft, including 18 nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, into the southwest region of its air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on Tuesday.
The planes entered the island’s airspace over a 24-hour span between Monday morning and Tuesday morning. It also spotted three naval vessels.
The MOD added in its statement that its armed forces “monitored the situation” and instructed patrol jets, navy vessels, and land-based missile systems “to respond these activities.”
29 PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels around Taiwan were detected by 6 a.m.(UTC+8) today. R.O.C. Armed Forces have monitored the situation and tasked CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond these activities. pic.twitter.com/0TwjdAyqrx
— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, R.O.C. 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) December 13, 2022
It marked the largest incursion by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army’s (PLA) nuclear-capable planes over a span of 24 hours since the island nation began releasing daily data on Chinese fighter incursions in 2020.
China is known to usually increase the number of fighter jets it sends into Taiwanese airspace in retaliation against events that it deems provocative.
For instance, following the United Kingdom (UK) Trade Minister, Greg Hands’ visit to Taipei last month, the PLA sent a sortie of 46 warplanes toward the country which it claims to be part of its own territory.
UK trade minister Greg Hands on his upcoming trip to Taiwan:
— China Research Group (@ChinaResearchGp) November 7, 2022
"Our relationship is about more than cash. Strengthening UK ties with Taiwan is part of our post-Brexit tilt towards the Indo-Pacific." https://t.co/sc0egnDYMK
Similarly, after United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taipei in early August, the PLA stepped its incursions into Taiwanese territory up to an unprecedented level, sending warships, missiles, and fighter jets into the waters and skies around Taiwan.
The Defense Post reported on 1 September that the PLA Air Force made 446 incursions into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) in August alone, calling it PLA’s “largest and most aggressive exercises since the mid-1990s.”
It noted that August’s “monthly total alone was more than the 380 sorties Chinese planes carried out for the whole of 2020.” Chinese planes have made at least 1,068 individual incursions into the Taiwanese ADIZ this year, surpassing 2021’s total of 969.
U.K. trade minister Greg Hands on whether CPTPP should include Taiwan: “Taiwan is a subject close to my heart ... I know Taiwan is looking to align itself to CPTPP’s high standards. We expect CPTPP to grow in size.” Adds that future membership is a decision for members in future. pic.twitter.com/F00HD1jlNL
— Stuart Lau (@StuartKLau) July 15, 2021
The latest instance of tensions between the two countries comes only days after Taiwanese Premier Su Tseng-chang criticised China for breaching international trade rules and “discriminating” against Taiwan after Beijing imposed additional import restrictions on Taiwanese products.
Su stated that Taipei would file an appeal with the World Trade Organisation and also lodge a protest with Beijing after the Asian giant announced import bans on dozens of seafood products, alcohol, and other beverages from Taipei.