China sent more fighter jets into Taiwan’s air defence zone on Wednesday in an increased show of force around the island Beijing claims as its own, and Taiwan’s foreign minister said it would fight to the end if China attacks.
Taiwan’s Defence Ministry said 15 Chinese aircraft including 12 fighters entered its air defence identification zone, with an anti-submarine aircraft flying to the south through the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines. Taiwan’s air force sent up aircraft to intercept and warn the Chinese away, the ministry added.
“From my limited understanding of American decision makers watching developments in this region, they clearly see the danger of the possibility of China launching attack against Taiwan. We are willing to defend ourselves without any questions and we will fight the war if we need to fight the war. And if we need to defend ourselves to the very last day, we will defend ourselves to the very last day,” Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu told the reporters.
Adding to the stepped-up military action near Taiwan, the US Navy said the guided missile destroyer USS John S McCain conducted a routine transit of the Taiwan Strait on Wednesday.
