TAIPEI, Jan 23 – Taiwan on Sunday reported the largest possible incursion since October by the Chinese military in its air defense zone, and the island’s defense ministry said Taiwanese troops were rushing to warn 39 planes in the latest standoff.
Taiwan, China claims its territory, has complained for more than a year of duplicating China’s air force near a democratic island, usually in the southwestern part of the air defense detection zone, or ADIZ, near Taiwan – controlled by Pratas Islands.
Taiwan calls China’s immediate replica military operations a “gray area”, designed to seduce Taiwanese troops by repeatedly mocking them, as well as examining Taiwan’s responses.
China’s latest equipment includes 34 soldiers and four electronic warplanes and one bomb, the Taiwan Department said.
The plane flew to the area northeast of Pratas, according to a map of the service provided.
Taiwan has sent fighter jets to warn Chinese airlines, while missile systems are being sent to monitor them, the department said.
No immediate comment was made from China, which previously said the move was a test aimed at protecting the country’s sovereignty.
While it was unclear what might have prompted China to launch such a massive campaign, the U.S. navy. and in Japan exercising in the Philippine Sea, a vast expanse of water east of Taiwan.