China sends record 18 nuclear-capable bomber aircraft into Taiwan’s air defence zone; Taipei responds

China-Taiwan tension: Amid soaring tension between China and Taiwan, Beijing on Tuesday sent at least 18 nuclear-capable H-6 bomber aircraft into Taiepi's air defence zone. This prompted the island nation to task CAP aircraft, Navy vessels, and land-based missile systems to respond to the Chinese aggression. The same has been confirmed by the Taiwanese Defence Ministry through its social media accounts on Tuesday morning.

Notably, this was the first time when Beijing sent a record number of nuclear-capable bomber aircraft ever since the tension between the two nations flared following the visit of US Speaker Nancy Pelosi. According to the ministry, China has sent a total of 21 warplanes of which 18 were nuclear bombers and added the lethal weapons entered its southwest air defence identification zone. Furthermore, the ministry said it has monitored the situation and employed its weapons and fighter jets in order to avert any untoward incident. 

It is worth mentioning the conflict between both China and Taiwan soared tremendously in August this year after the United States announced its plan to send its Speaker to the island nation. Initially, the Chinese Defence Ministry and Foreign Ministry warned the US and Taiwan to face the repercussions, Pelosi landed and held a series of meetings with President Tsai Ing-wen. Following the departure of Pelosi, China fired precision missiles towards the border regions of Taiwan, resulting in the latter taking prompt action. In November, when Chinese President Xi Jinping regained charge of the country, he exhibited his plans for Taiwan. 

Notably, Taipei split from Beijing during the civil war that brought Mao Zedong's Communist Party to power and established the People's Republic of China in 1949. While the Communist Party gained control of the Chinese mainland in 1949, the Kuomintang-ruled government of the erstwhile Republic of China set up its government in Taiwan (officially called the Republic of China). Though both provinces have been controlled separately for more than seventy years, the CCP continues to claim sovereignty over the island nation. China has, on several occasions, stepped up military exercises around the self-ruled country, which it considers its own territory under the One China policy. In recent times, China repeatedly warned the island nation to use force if it disobeys Bejing's command and relies on the West for its security.

Also Read: China warns interlopers on Taiwan issue, says external interference won't be tolerated

Latest World News