Taiwan Scrambles Its Jets As 19 Chinese Fighter Aircraft Cross Midline Of Taiwan Strait To Escalate Tensions

The ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan continue to escalate as Reuters reports that the island scrambled jets to counter the Chinese aircraft that had encroached their region, Reuters has reported.

This is second such instance on consecutive days as an official from the United Stares of America is in Taipei for discussions.

As many as 19 aircraft of the middle kingdom had crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait, which prompted them to hold their guard.

Detailing on the aircraft that intruded the halfway mark, Ministry of National Defence, ROC tweeted, "Sep. 19, twelve J-16 fighters, two J-10 fighters, two J-11 fighters, two H-6 bombers and one Y-8 ASW crossed the midline of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwest ADIZ. ROCAF scrambled fighters, and deployed air defense missile system to monitor the activities."

In fact, 18 aircraft had similarly wandered into the same region just a day before this incident as interactions continue to take place between the US and Taiwanese officials. The island made its intentions clear about these meddling tactics from China.

In another tweet, its defence ministry mentioned that the military intimidation of People Liberation Army (PLA) is deplorable and that it has stemmed resentment amongst their people.

Taiwan's Vice-President Lai Ching-Te further warned the PRC of its actions. "Don't cross the line. China again flew fighter jets into Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone today. Make no mistake, Taiwan wants peace but we will defend our people," he affirmed on Twitter.

China's aggressive expansionist activities have taken severe turns in recent times, and a similar pattern is visible from their end in in other neighbouring countries like Bhutan and Nepal amidst being engaged in a stand-off with the Indian Army at Ladakh too.