Chinese bombers conduct long-range combat drills near Taiwan
Taiwanese fighter jets scrambled to intercept Chinese H-6K bombers and escort fighters conducting exercises near the island.
|
Chinese H-6K bombers participate in an exercise on December 18. Photo:TaiwanNews. |
On December 18, the Chinese Air Force deployed a formation of H-6K bombers, Su-30 fighters and Y-9JB reconnaissance aircraft to conduct long-range patrol and combat exercises near Taiwan island, according toJapan Times.
According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, an undisclosed number of Chinese aircraft took off from a base in Guangdong province and flew over the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines, then headed toward the western Pacific Ocean before returning to base, forcing Taipei to scramble fighter jets to intercept and monitor. It is unclear whether the aircraft circled Taiwan on their return journey.
At sea, the Chinese navy also deployed two warships operating just outside Taiwan's air defense identification zone to support the aircraft conducting exercises.
|
The Bashi Channel lies between Taiwan and the Philippines. Photo:CGTN. |
China has recently conducted continuous air and naval exercises in the area around Taiwan, with the participation of the most modern equipment in its inventory such as Su-35S multi-role fighters, J-20 stealth aircraft, H-6K strategic bombers and the Liaoning aircraft carrier.
China has always considered Taiwan a part of its territory awaiting reunification, by force if necessary. Relations across the strait have cooled since President Tsai Ing-wen, who rejects the "One China" policy, took office in mid-2016.
Tensions increased after US President Donald Trump signed into law the "Taiwan Visit Act", which encourages the US government to send high-ranking officials to Taiwan and vice versa, angering Beijing.
