13 Chinese warplanes intrude into Taiwan's ADIZ in single day

Update: Biden administration urges Beijing to cease military pressure against Taipei

Taipei, Jan. 23 (CNA) Taiwan's Air Force scrambled fighter jets as 13 Chinese warplanes intruded into Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Saturday, the highest number observed in a single day this year, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).

The planes involved were a Y-8 anti-submarine aircraft, eight Xian H-6K bombers and four Shenyang J-16 fighter jets, the MND said.

The Air Force responded by scrambling fighter jets to monitor the Chinese aircraft, issuing radio warnings and mobilizing air defense assets until the planes left the ADIZ, it added.

An ADIZ is established by a country to allow the identification, location and control of approaching foreign aircraft. However, unlike territorial airspace, no legal foundation for the ADIZ is explicitly stipulated in international law.

Due to the increasing number of incursions by Chinese military planes in recent months, the MND on Sept. 17, 2020 began to publish their movements regularly on its website to keep the public better informed as to the situation.