
Taipei, Jan. 27 (CNA) Four Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Wednesday, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MDN).
The aircraft -- two Y-8 anti-submarine planes, a Y-8 electronic warfare plane and a Y-8 tactical reconnaissance plane -- entered the airspace between southwest Taiwan and the Taiwan-controlled Dongsha Islands in the South China Sea, according to a chart provided by the MND.
In response, the military scrambled fighter jets, broadcast radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems to track the Chinese aircraft, the MND said.
Wednesday's incursions marked the sixth consecutive day Chinese military planes had entered Taiwan's ADIZ, including totals of 13 planes on Jan. 23 and 15 on Jan. 24, according to MND data.
The U.S. State Department issued a statement condemning the incursions on Jan. 23, just three days after the inauguration of new U.S. President Joe Biden and called on China to instead engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan's leaders.
Also that day, the USS Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Strike Group entered the South China Sea to conduct "routine operations," drawing criticism from China's foreign ministry that the move was "not conducive to regional stability."
Taiwan's MND began publishing incursions by Chinese planes on its website on Sept. 17, 2020 in order to bring attention to the issue.
An ADIZ is established by a country to allow for the identification, monitoring and control of approaching foreign aircraft. However, unlike territorial airspace, no legal foundation for the identification zones exists in international law.
- Society
Taiwan Railways to cop fines of NT$300,000 in wake of deadly train crash
04/21/2021 10:34 PM - Business
Renewed deal with Wisconsin to help business flexibility: Hon Hai
04/21/2021 10:22 PM - Society
Taiwan can expect rain, high waves as typhoon nears: CWB
04/21/2021 09:57 PM - Society
Government pressure a challenge for Taiwan media workers: poll
04/21/2021 09:39 PM - Politics
Cabinet to propose harsher penalties for negligence causing death
04/21/2021 08:56 PM