The number of violations of Taiwan’s airspace by Chinese warplanes has doubled in the past year compared to 2021, according to a tally by AFP news agency.
China sees Taiwan as a renegade region that must eventually return to the rule of the People’s Republic. In 2022, relations deteriorated when China held large-scale military exercises near the island to protest a visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August.
More than 1,700 combat aircraft
China sent 1,727 fighter jets and bombers into Taiwan’s airspace in 2022, according to a daily update database from Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense. In 2021 this happened about 960 times and in 2020 there were 380 accidents. Chinese drones were also spotted for the first time in Taiwan’s airspace last year, with all incidents occurring after Pelosi’s visit.
Outdated equipment
Military analysts say the provocations are testing Taiwan’s defenses, depleting its old air force and expressing displeasure at Western support for Taipei, particularly the United States. “They want to show their resolve and make it clear to the United States: Don’t cross our red lines,” said Lee Hsi-min, the former chief of staff of the Taiwanese military.
Source: BNR
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