Taiwan says 7 Chinese jets entered air defense zone

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Taiwan on Monday said at least seven Chinese military jets crossed the Taiwan Strait to enter what the self-ruled island says its airspace.

The Taiwanese Defense Ministry said seven aircrafts belonging to People’s Liberation Army of China entered its air defense identification zone (ADIZ).

Taiwan defines ADIZ as an area that extends beyond its air space where air traffic controllers ask incoming aircraft to identify themselves.

On Sunday, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported two Chinese jets entered its air defense area, while eight such jets crossed the Taiwan Strait on Saturday after a US guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson (DDG-114) sailed through the Taiwan Strait.

As the world focuses on the Russia-Ukraine war, observers are also closely watching China’s moves regarding Taiwan, which it sees as a breakaway province.

Taipei, however, has insisted on its independence since 1949 and maintains diplomatic relations with at least 14 countries.​​​​​​​