China has expanded its use of grey zone tactics by regularly intruding the Taiwan air zone by sending its military aircraft, mainly from the Southwest corner.
The PLA has sent hundreds of fighter jets into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone in recent years. (Source: AP/File)
HIGHLIGHTS
- In July, 70 Chinese aircraft were seen in Taiwan’s identification zone
- Out of 31 days in July, the Chinese military planes intruded on 23 days
- China has escalated its military presence in the skies and seas surrounding Taiwan
According to Taiwan’s defence ministry on Monday, four Chinese military planes flew into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) in the southwest part. Four J-16 fighter planes made up the Chinese aircraft. Experts are relating the recent intrusions by Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) warplanes to the expected visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Asia. As part of her Asia trip, she is anticipated to visit Taiwan. She intends to meet the president of Taiwan in a contentious tour that has raised worries about a potential military reaction from China.
The PLA has sent hundreds of fighter jets into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone in recent years. China has expanded its use of grey zone tactics by regularly intruding the Taiwan air zone by sending its military aircraft, mainly from the Southwest corner.
70 CHINESE WARPLANES INTRUSIONS IN JULY
In July, 70 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets and spotter aircraft, were seen in Taiwan’s identification zone. There were thirteen times when three or more Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan’s air defence zone. Out of 31 days in July, the Chinese military planes intruded on 23 days.
From July 15 to July 30, they intruded daily into Taiwan’s airspace. Total 10 PLA aircraft comprising Y-8 ASW, Z-9 ASW, J-11, H-6, J-16, JH-7 and Y-8 EW entered Taiwan’s southwest ADIZ on July 15, registering the largest single-day intrusion in July.
INTRUSIONS IN LAST FEW YEARS
Data from the defence ministry shows that on October 4, 2021, there were 56 Chinese aircraft entering the ADIZ in a single day. On January 23, 2022, more than 39 aircraft were spotted, which is the most this year. 30 planes were observed on May 30 and 29 and on June 21.
According to reports, Taiwan detected 969 Chinese warplane incursions into the ADIZ last year, more than double the approximately 380 carried out in 2020.
China has escalated its military presence in the skies and seas surrounding Taiwan because it sees it as part of its territory.
As part of its commitment to self-defence, Taiwan regularly conducts military and civil defence drills and has prioritised fortifying its defences.
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