Taiwan yesterday reported renewed Chinese military activity near the nation, with 12 Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait the day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken ended his visit to China.
“We detected activities from 22 PLA aircraft ... since 9:30am,” the Ministry of National Defense said in a statement.
It said that 12 aircraft had crossed the median line and “entered Taiwan’s northern and central air defense identification zone.”
Photo courtesy of the Ministry of National Defense
The median line once served as an unofficial border that neither sides’ militaries crossed, but China’s air force now regularly sends aircraft over it.
Beijing says it does not recognize the line’s existence.
The aircraft were involved in “joint combat readiness patrols” with Chinese warships, the ministry said.
Taiwanese aircraft and ships responded “appropriately,” it added.
It did not provide details.
Blinken traveled to China from Wednesday to Friday to discuss key issues between Washington and Beijing and a range of regional and global matters.
During the meeting between Blinken and Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) on Friday, Blinken reiterated that there has been no change to the US’ “one China” policy, which is guided by the Taiwan Relations Act, the Three Joint Communiques and the “six assurances,” US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller said.
Blinken also expressed concerns about China’s destabilizing actions near the Second Thomas Shoal (Renai Shoal, 仁愛暗沙), and the importance of upholding the rule of law and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, Miller said.
Blinken told Xi that the US would continue to take necessary actions to defend its interests and values, and those of its allies and partners, he said.
The PLA’s military activity yesterday also comes as the US and Philippines are conducting joint military exercises, including near the potential flashpoints in the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.
The joint drills involve simulating the retaking of enemy-occupied islands in areas around Taiwan.
Taiwan last night blanked world No. 1 Japan 4-0 to win the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s (WBSC) Premier12 for the first time. Taiwanese ace Lin Yu-min (林昱珉) held defending champions Japan to just one hit and no runs in the first four innings, before catcher Lin Chia-cheng (林家正) opened the fifth inning with a solo home run. That was soon followed by a three-run homer from Taiwanese captain Chen Chieh-hsien (陳傑憲) to put Taiwan ahead in the prestigious tournament of the world’s top 12 baseball teams. In addition to a superb performance from 21-year-old Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Lin, three more Taiwanese pitchers
SUPPORT: Arms sales to NATO Plus countries such as Japan, South Korea and Israel only have to be approved by the US Congress if they exceed US$25m The US should amend a law to add Taiwan to the list of “NATO Plus” allies and streamline future arms sales, a US commission said on Tuesday in its annual report to the US Congress. The recommendation was made in the annual report by the US-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC), which contained chapters on US-China economic and trade ties, security relations, and Taiwan and Hong Kong. In the chapter on Taiwan, the commission urged the US Congress to “amend the Arms Export Control Act of 1976 to include Taiwan on the list of ‘NATO Plus’ recipients,” referring to
Taiwan yesterday advanced to the gold medal match of the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s (WBSC) Premier12 for the first time in history, despite last night losing 9-6 to Japan. Taiwan advanced after the US defeated Venezuela in the first game on the last day of the Super Round. However, the US had no chance of advancing to the championship game unless it defeated Venezuela by at least nine points. The US won 6-5. As a result, the two teams — who both had one win and two losses in the Super Round — are to face off again in the
Minister of Labor Ho Pei-shan (何佩珊) said she would tender her resignation following criticism of her handling of alleged bullying by Ministry of Labor Workforce Development Agency branch director Hsieh Yi-jung (謝宜容) resulting in the death of an employee. The ministry yesterday gave Hsieh two demerits and said she is subject to review by the Disciplinary Court. The severest possible punishment would be her removal from office and being barred from government jobs indefinitely. Workforce Development Agency Director-General Tsai Meng-liang (蔡孟良) also received a major demerit and was transferred to another position. Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) issued a formal apology
RSS