China sent warships and dozens of fighter jets toward Taiwan on Saturday. China sent warships and dozens of fighter jets toward Taiwan the Taiwanese government said, in retaliation for a meeting between the US House of Representatives speaker and the president of the self-ruled island democracy claimed by Beijing as part of its territory. The Chinese military announced the start of three-day “combat readiness patrols” as a warning to the Taiwanese who want to make the island’s de facto independence permanent. The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) gave no indication whether they might include a repeat of previous exercises with missiles fired into the sea, which disrupted shipping and airline flights.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy held talks with President Tsai Ing-wen on Thursday in California, adding to a series of foreign lawmakers who have met Tsai to show support in the face of Chinese intimidation. Beijing responded Friday by imposing a travel ban and financial sanctions against American groups and individuals associated with Tsai’s US visit.
On Saturday, eight warships and 71 planes were detected near Taiwan, 45 of which flew across the middle line of the strait that separates it from the mainland, the island’s Ministry of Defense said. It said they included Chengdu J-10, Shenyang J-11, and Shenyang J-16 jet fighters.
The navy planned to hold “live fire training” in Luoyuan Bay in the Fujian province opposite Taiwan, the local Maritime Authority announced. Ships were banned during the firing, which also was due to take place on five dates over the next two weeks. The Taiwanese military said missile defense systems were activated and air and sea patrols sent to track the Chinese aircraft.