Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

China sends 25 fighter planes toward Taiwan on National Day

China has sent 25 fighter jets toward self-ruled Taiwan in a large display on China's National Day

Via AP news wire
Friday 01 October 2021 11:53 BST
China Taiwan Jets
China Taiwan Jets

China sent 25 fighter jets toward self-ruled Taiwan in a large display of force on China's National Day Friday.

The People’s Liberation Army flew 18 J-16 fighter jets as well as two H-6 bombers, among other planes. Taiwan deployed air patrol forces in response and tracked the Chinese aircraft on its air defense systems, the island’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.

China has sent planes toward the island it claims as part of its territory on a near daily basis in the last couple of years, stepping up military harassment with drills.

Last week, the PLA flew 24 fighter jets toward Taiwan after it announced it would apply to join a Pacific trade group that China also applied to join.

Taiwan and China split during a civil war in 1949, and China has not ruled out force to reunify with Taiwan. Beijing opposes Taiwan’s involvement in international organizations.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in