China sent 25 fighter planes towards the island of Taiwan on China’s National Day on Friday. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) flew 18 J-16 fighter jets and two H-6 bombers, among other jets in a large display of force.
Taiwan deployed air patrol forces in prompt response to the Chinese move and tracked the Chinese aircraft on its air defense systems, self-ruled Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.
China has sent planes towards the island it claims as part of its territory on a near regular basis in the last couple of years, stepping up military harassment with drills.
Last week the Chinese military sent 24 fighter aircraft towards Taiwan after it declared it would apply to join a Pacific trade group that China also applied to join.
Taiwan and China separated during a civil war in 1949, and China has not ruled out force to reunify with Taiwan. Beijing strictly opposes Taiwan’s involvement in international forums.
