The United States condemned Beijing's military activities as "provocative" and "destabilizing" on Sunday, following the largest incursion in its history by Chinese fighter jets and bombers into Taiwan's air defense zone. U.S. State Department spokesperson Ned Price stated that the United States "is deeply concerned about the People's Republic of China's provocative military activities near Taiwan, which destabilize the region and pose a risk of unintended consequences, undermining regional peace and stability."
Taiwan announced on Friday that Chinese air forces executed the largest incursion into its air defense zone, with 38 Chinese aircraft entering in two waves, coinciding with Beijing's celebration of the founding of the "People's Republic of China." Taiwan, which is claimed by China, has been complaining for over a year about Chinese military maneuvers near the island.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported that its fighter jets were deployed against 18 Chinese J-16 fighters, four Su-30 fighters, two H-6 bombers with nuclear capability, and one anti-submarine aircraft. The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense revealed that the first batch of Chinese aircraft flew near the Pratas Islands, while the bombers were flying close to the coral island. The second group flew over the Bashi Channel, which separates Taiwan from the Philippines and is a major waterway linking the Pacific Ocean to the disputed South China Sea.
The previous largest incursion occurred in June with the involvement of 28 Chinese Air Force aircraft. China has intensified its military and political pressure in an attempt to force Taiwan to accept Chinese sovereignty. Taiwan asserts it is an independent state and will defend its freedom and democracy. China considers most of the South China Sea to be within its sovereignty and is engaged in disputes over this issue with other countries, viewing the self-governing island of Taiwan as an integral part of its territory. It is noted that since the election of President Tsai Ing-wen, who regards Taiwan as a sovereign state, Beijing has increased its economic, military, and diplomatic pressures on the island.
