Taiwan said today it was closely monitoring China's military, which it said posed a growing risk to the region after several warplanes flew past the island to take part in exercises with the aircraft carrier “Shandong” in the Pacific Ocean, reported Reuters, quoted by BTA.
The Chinese military exercises coincided with a NATO summit in Washington, which presented a working communiqué saying China had become a crucial backer of Russia in its war in Ukraine and that Beijing continued to pose a threat to Europe and the security of the continent.
„Shandong“ passed the Philippines on its way to exercises in the Pacific, Taiwan's defense minister said yesterday.
In the Chinese military's daily military activity report for the past 24 hours released this morning, Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said 66 Chinese aircraft were detected around the island, 39 of which flew south-southeast of Taiwan. The ministry added that yesterday 36 aircraft were registered heading to the Western Pacific Ocean for exercises with the aircraft carrier “Shandong”.
Taiwanese ministry published two photos showing Chinese fighter jet “J-16” and an “H-6” nuclear bomber, saying the photos were taken soon but did not specify when or where.
„The military has a clear view of activity in the seas and waters around the Taiwan Strait, including the aircraft carriers and ships of the Chinese Communists,”, a government spokesman said in a statement.
Taiwanese forces have tracked down the two warplanes that were photographed, Sun added.
China's Ministry of Defense has not yet responded to requests for comment on the “Shandong” activities.
In an address to the military in Taipei, President William Lai said he would continue to strengthen the island's military defenses.
„The threat the Chinese Communists pose to the region continues to grow, and their incursions into the gray area of the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas are also increasing day by day, posing a common challenge to world democracy,” Lai was quoted as saying. from the presidential office.
Taiwan said China is using ``gray zone'' tactics that fall short of actual combat to test and pressure Taiwan's forces, including coastal patrols. security near the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen Islands, which are visible to China.