A record-high number of Chinese military aircrafts have been detected in 24 hours around Taiwan. According to the Defense Ministry, 40 of the aircrafts crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait.
Video script:
The Defense Ministry has condemned China’s harassment of Taiwan after a recent record-high of 103 Chinese aircrafts were detected from 6 a.m. on Sunday to 6 a.m. on Monday. According to the Defense Ministry, 40 of the aircrafts crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait.
Defense Ministry Spokesperson Sun Li-fang (孫立方) says the continued harassment by China’s military could easily lead to a sharp increase in tensions and worsen regional security. He calls for Beijing to act responsibly and stop this “destructive” behavior immediately.
Defense strategy expert Su Tsu-yun (蘇紫雲) says the record-high numbers are a signal of protest in response to recent drills from the United States and South Korea in the Yellow Sea, as well as other drills from multiple countries in the East China and South China Sea.
The reports also come amidst increasing U.S.-Taiwan joint defense efforts. U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology Director Laurie E. Locascio arrived in Taipei for a 3-day visit to discuss bilateral cybersecurity efforts on September 18. Locascio is the highest-ranking member of the U.S. Department of Commerce to visit Taiwan.