Chinese tactical reconnaissance plane enters Taiwan's ADIZ

Taipei, Feb. 6 (CNA) A Chinese Y-8 tactical reconnaissance plane entered the southwestern section of Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Saturday, according to the Ministry of National Defense (MND).

The aircraft flew into the airspace between Taiwan and the Dongsha (Pratas) Islands, which are controlled by Taiwan, in the South China Sea, according to a chart provided by the MND.

Taiwan's military responded by scrambling fighter jets to monitor the Chinese aircraft, issuing radio warnings and mobilizing air defense assets until the plane left the ADIZ, the ministry said.

According to MND data, it was the fifth time this month that such an incident had occurred, following incursions on Feb. 1, 2, 4 and 5.

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, Taiwan's defense ministry on Sept. 17, 2020 began to publish their movements regularly on its website to keep the public better informed.