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China ramps up military activity around Taiwan ahead of US presidential election

Taiwan has intercepted 35 Chinese military aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, en route to exercises in the Pacific Ocean.

Nov 3, 2024 13:35 367

China ramps up military activity around Taiwan ahead of US presidential election  - 1

Taiwan's defense ministry said on Sunday it had spotted 35 Chinese military aircraft, including fighter jets and bombers, flying south towards the island en route to exercises in the Pacific Ocean, reports "Reuters" , quoted by BTA.

China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory despite strong objections from the government in Taipei, regularly sends its military into the skies and waters near the island in an attempt to assert its claim to sovereignty.

China's defense ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the missions, which were announced just days before the US presidential election on Tuesday.

The United States is required by law to provide Taiwan with funds for self-defense, and arms sales to Taipei, including a $2 billion missile system announced last month, have fueled tensions with Beijing.

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported that as of 9 a.m. (3:00 a.m. BST) on Sunday it had intercepted 37 Chinese military aircraft, including J-16 fighter jets, H-6 bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons, and drones.

Of these, 35 aircraft flew to southwestern, southern and southeastern Taiwan in the Western Pacific Ocean to conduct long-range drills, the ministry said, adding that it had sent its own forces to monitor.

On Saturday, the ministry said China had carried out another "joint combat readiness patrol" with warships and aircraft near Taiwan.

Last month, China held major military exercises around Taiwan that it said were a warning against "separatist actions," drawing condemnation from the Taiwanese and US governments.

Beijing strongly dislikes Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who took office in May, branding him a "separatist". He maintains that only the people of Taiwan can decide their future and has repeatedly offered talks with Beijing, which he has rejected.