Taiwan Says 8 Mainland Bombers Entered Defence Zone

Eight mainland bomber planes and four fighter jets entered the southwestern corner of Taiwan's air defence identification zone on Saturday, and Taiwan's air force deployed missiles to "monitor" the incursion, the island's defence ministry said.

Beijing has conducted almost daily flights over the waters between the southern part of Taiwan and the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea in recent months.

However, they have generally consisted of just one or two reconnaissance aircraft.

The presence of so many combat aircraft on this mission – Taiwan said it was made up of eight nuclear-capable H-6K bombers and four J-16 fighter jets – was unusual.

There was no immediate comment from Beijing. In the past, the central government has said it has been carrying out exercises to defend its sovereignty and security.

A map provided by Taiwan's defence ministry showed that the aircraft, including a Y-8 anti-submarine aircraft, flew over the same waters where the most recent mainland missions have been taking place near the Pratas Islands, though still well away from the island of Taiwan.

Taiwan's air force warned away the aircraft and deployed missiles to monitor them, the ministry said, using standard wording for how it responds to such activities.

"Airborne alert sorties had been tasked, radio warnings issued and air defence missile systems deployed to monitor the activity," it said in a brief statement.

The US State Department urged Beijing to stop pressuring Taiwan and reaffirmed its commitment to the island and desire to deepen ties.

"We urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan's democratically elected representatives," State Department spokesman Ned Price said.

"We will continue to assist Taiwan in maintaining a sufficient self-defence capability." (Reuters)