Taiwan says China carried out second major combat patrol near island in one week

Taiwan said Monday it had detected China’s second “joint combat readiness patrol” around the island within a week, prompting Taipei to deploy fighter jets and naval forces to monitor the situation. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said 21 Chinese military aircraft, including J-16 fighter jets and drones, along with several naval vessels, were operating around the island as Beijing increased military pressure. According to the ministry, Chinese aircraft flew around “all sides of the island,” while Taiwan released images showing Taiwanese F-16 fighters tracking Chinese warplanes and naval activity. Taiwan also reported a separate encounter between its coast guard and a Chinese coast guard vessel near the Pratas Islands in the northern South China Sea. Joseph Wu said about 100 Chinese vessels were operating across the “first island chain,” stretching from Japan through Taiwan to Philippines. The latest patrol came shortly after discussions involving Xi Jinping and Donald Trump that included Taiwan-related issues, according to Taipei. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has increased military flights and naval operations near the island in recent years despite objections from Taipei. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and says it remains committed to strengthening defense cooperation with the United States and regional partners amid rising military tensions. The post Taiwan says China carried out second major combat patrol near island in one week appeared first on Khaama Press.