China's aircraft carrier passes by, Taiwan reassures 'no need to panic'

China's aircraft carrier Liaoning entered Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on the morning of July 12 while returning from Hong Kong and was being monitored, Reuters reported, citing Taiwan's Defense Ministry, adding that there was no cause for alarm.

Liaoning aircraft carrier.

According to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense, the Liaoning left Hong Kong at noon on July 11, before entering Taiwan's defense zone by sailing north through the western side of the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry said Taiwan is still monitoring the situation and has found nothing unusual so people should not panic.

The Liaoning, built by the Soviet Union, is China's first aircraft carrier. The Liaoning arrived in Hong Kong to participate in events marking the 20th anniversary of the territory's handover from Britain to China.

This is the fourth time in recent months that the Liaoning aircraft carrier has entered the area near Taiwan in what China says are routine exercises.

In early July, Taiwan was forced to urgently dispatch fighter jets to follow the Liaoning aircraft carrier as it was en route to Hong Kong./.

According to Sputnik