At a time of heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan's air force scrambled on Sunday (October 31) to warn off eight Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets, that approached its air defense zone, according to the country's defense ministry.
For a year or more, Taiwan has complained about Chinese air force missions near the self-ruled island, most notably in the south-western sector of its air defense zone near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands.
According to a statement released late Sunday by the military ministry, the Chinese aircraft included six J-16 fighters, one anti-submarine aircraft, and one surveillance aircraft.
Taiwan, which China claims as its own and has not ruled out force, alleges that Chinese military exercises near the island endanger regional stability and promises to preserve its freedom and democracy.
According to a senior State Department official, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reminded his Chinese counterpart on Sunday that the US opposes Chinese activities that have heightened tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
According to the official, Mr. Blinken made "crystal clear" that Washington opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo by Beijing during an hour-long conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of a Group of 20 conferences in Rome.
According to China's foreign ministry, Mr. Wang reminded Mr. Blinken that tensions over Taiwan were created by US assistance for pro-independence elements on the island.
Increased Chinese military exercises near Taiwan's air defense identification zone are part of what Taipei sees as Beijing's increased military harassment.
Tsai Ing-wen, Taiwan's president, claims the island is a sovereign nation and has made modernizing the island's armed forces, which are well-equipped but dwarfed by China's, a primary priority.
Taiwan recorded 148 Chinese air force planes in the zone's southern and south-western theaters four days earlier this month, signaling a significant increase in tensions between Taipei and Beijing.
Chinese planes have been flying over Taiwan's air defense identification zone, or ADIZ, a larger area Taiwan monitors and patrols to give it more time to respond to any threats.
