(CNN) — Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said 47 Chinese aircraft crossed the median line in its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the Taiwan Strait on Sunday, as Beijing announced new military exercises around Taiwan.
The raid was carried out by 42 J-10, J-11, J-16 and Su-30 fighter jets, two Y-8 maritime patrol aircraft, a KJ-500 early warning aircraft, as well as a CH-4 and an aircraft. The WZ-7 military drone, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said, in the biggest Chinese military incursion into Taiwan’s ADIZ since China held large-scale military exercises on the island following a visit by the Speaker of the Taiwan House of Representatives. United States, Nancy Pelosi, in August of this year.
Taiwan said that a total of 71 Chinese aircraft were seen around the island, and Taiwan’s military has responded to these activities by assigning combat air patrol aircraft, navy ships and ground-based missile systems.
The Chinese military’s Eastern Theater Command said on Sunday that the activities conducted a joint combat readiness patrol and “drill drills” in Taiwan in response to “provocations” between Taiwan and the US, without providing specific details.
“The troops will take all necessary measures to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the Eastern Theater Command said.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry responded in a statement late on Sunday that it was determined to defend its sovereignty.
“The Chinese Communist Party’s actions expose its mentality of using force to resolve differences, which undermines regional peace and stability,” he said.
It added, “Taiwan-US cooperation will help secure a free, open and stable Indo-Pacific region. The military will continue to strengthen military preparedness based on enemy threats and self-defense needs.”
