Chinese anti-submarine plane intrudes into Taiwan's ADIZ

Taipei, April 3 (CNA) A Chinese military Y-8 anti-submarine aircraft entered Taiwan's southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Saturday, but left the area after Taiwan scrambled fighter jets in response to the intrusion, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) said.

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

In response to the incursion, Taiwan's Air Force scrambled planes to monitor the Chinese aircraft, issued radio warnings and mobilized air defense assets until the Chinese aircraft left the ADIZ, the MND added.

The airspace near the Dongsha Islands, also known as the Pratas, is considered by Taiwan as part of its ADIZ.

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.

An ADIZ is usually declared by a country to allow it to identify, locate and control approaching foreign aircraft, although such zones are not recognized under international law.