China crosses median line in Taiwan strait during US envoy's visit to island

China on September 18 ventured across median line of Taiwan strait in a rare incursion as a top United States diplomat visited self-governed island. According to a statement by Taiwan's Defence Ministry, at least 18 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers crossed median line on Friday morning. latest violation by Chinese side came as US Undersecretary of State Keith Krach visited Taiwan for nation's former President Lee Teng-hui's funeral. 

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China-Taiwan tensions

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and is particularly upset, as well as concerned about growing relations between Taipei and Washington. According to US Department of Defence, China had t crossed median line of Taiwan strait for two decades from 1999 to 2019. However, last year in March, Beijing for first time in many years maneuvered across line and since n re have been many instances of such violations by Communist state. 

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Taiwan's defense ministry on August 10 had informed that country's air force intercepted Chinese fighter jets who had crossed median line of sensitive Formosa strait, separating self-ruled island and mainland China. alleged violation took place during high-profile visit by United States Secretary of Health Alex Azar, who became first US politician to visit Taiwan in four decades. In June, Chinese fighter jets were intercepted by Taiwan on five different occasions. 

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China has on several occasions expressed its willingness to annex Taiwan by force and United States says that it is for this reason that y supply island nation with arms, so that peace and stability could be maintained in region. However, United States doesn't have any formal ties with Taiwan because of China's 'One China' policy which requires partners of Beijing to adhere to it.

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