Taiwan scrambles fighters as China crosses the line

Taiwan scrambles jets as Chinese aircraft cross median line – Reuters

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said 20 Chinese aircraft and 14 naval vessels carried out missions over the Taiwan Strait Saturday afternoon, and Taiwanese planes scrambled and deployed land-based missiles in response. Taiwan claimed that 14 of 20 Chinese jets crossed the 110 mile long strait buffer lane between China and Taiwan.  The exercises came on the heels of U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to Taiwan.

China has conducted military exercises over the air and sea surrounding Taiwan for four straight days following U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosis visit to the island, officials announced on Sunday. Taiwan has responded by conducting live-fire exercises with snipers, fighting vehicles, and armoured vehicles.

Pelosi led a Congressional delegation to Taiwan last week, where she praised Taiwan’s “democratic values” and “self-governance” and assured the island that the United States will uphold mutual security interests in the region.

The White House considered China could use Pelosis trip last week as a pretext to escalate tensions, but the president insists that the United States would not “be cowed” by Chinese “saber-rattling”.

Tensions remain high in the region after Speaker Pelosi’s visit.  On August 4th, China fired missiles into the water off eastern Taiwan in response to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visiting the island.

For more coverage on this story check the following additional news sources:

  1. Taiwan scrambles jets as Chinese aircraft cross median line  Reuters
  2. China expands military drills, escalates threats against Taiwan  The Washington Post
  3. Maps: Tracking Tensions Between China and Taiwan  The New York Times
  4. China conducts 4th straight day of military drills around Taiwan after Pelosi visit to island: report  Fox News
  5. China’s War Games Showcase New Tools to Intimidate Taiwan  The Wall Street Journal