China ramped up its antagonism of Taiwan Saturday by sending 13 warplanes into the island’s airspace, prompting Taiwan to launch missiles to monitor the flights in response.
China sent eight nuclear-capable bombers, four fighter jets and an anti-submarine patrol aircraft into Taiwan’s southwestern air defense zone near the Pratas Islands, Reuters reported.
While Beijing has been sending almost daily flights over the waters in the southern part of Taiwan and nearby islands, it’s usually just one or two reconnaissance aircraft.
In response, Taiwan’s air force warned away the Chinese aircraft and deployed missiles to monitor them.
There was no immediate comment from China. In the past China has said it has been carrying out exercises to defend the country’s sovereignty and security.
The increased antagonism came just three days after President Biden was sworn in and may be an early test of the new president.
Biden’s nominee for Secretary of State Tony Blinken said Tuesday that President Trump was right to take a tougher approach on China, and said the U.S. will continue to support Taiwan, which China considers a rogue province. “There’s been a strong and long bipartisan commitment to Taiwan,” Blinken said, adding, “the commitment to Taiwan is something that we hold to very strongly.”
Blinken said that on Taiwan, “part of that commitment is making sure that Taiwan have the ability to defend itself against aggression. And that is a commitment that will absolutely endure.”
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