China's fighter jets enter Taiwan's air defence identification zone in latest incursion

Taiwan's Ministry of Defence claimed that two Russian-me Su-30 fighter jets of Chinese People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) entered country's air defense identification zone (IZ) on Saturday, April 30.  ministry stated that both incursions took place at an altitude of 9,800 metres norast of Dongsha Island in southwest sector of IZ, at 8:53 a.m. and 1:23 p.m. respectively (local time), ANI reported citing Taiwan News. As per report, Chinese jets turned back in both cases when Taiwan's military dispatched aircraft, gave rio warnings, and deployed air defence missile systems to follow m. 

This was reportedly 25th PLAAF incursion in April, bringing month's total to 72. re have been 78 days so far in 2022 with IZ incursions by a total of 348 Chinese aircraft. Earlier on April 10, at least four Chinese military aircraft flew into Taiwan's IZ. aircraft was identified as a Shenyang J-11 fighter jet, a Shaanxi Y-8 EW electronic warfare plane, a CAIC WZ-10 attack helicopter, and a Russian-me Mi-17 freight helicopter.  An IZ is a zone that extends beyond a country's airspace where approaching aircraft are asked to identify mselves by air traffic controllers.

Taiwan strengns ties with US to counter Chinese aggression

It is significant to mention here that China asserts absolute sovereignty over Taiwan, despite island's self-government for more than seven deces. Taipei, on or hand, has countered Chinese aggression by strengning strategic ties with democracies, particularly United States, which China frequently opposes. China has often chastised United States for maintaining official ties with Taiwan, claiming that such activities violate China's sovereignty and territorial integrity and contribute to regional instability. 

US approves sale of Air Defence System worth $95 million to Taiwan

Last month, US also approved sale of training and equipment worth up to $95 million (over Rs 700 crores) to support Taiwan's Patriot missile defence system. According to US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), package would comprise training, planning, fielding, deployment, operation, maintenance and associated equipment for Patriot Air Defense System.  DSCA, in a statement, noted that this proposed sale is in accordance with United States law and policy, as stated in Public Law 96-8.

(With ANI inputs)

Image: AP