After a US top lawmaker’s trip to Taiwan, the encounter took place amid significant Chinese military drills
Taiwan’s military fired flares to ward off Chinese aircraft near islands far off the island’s western coast, officials claimed, as Taipei remains on high alert during a large air and naval exercise by Beijing in the aftermath of a visit by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Army Major General Chang Zonesung said two Chinese drones could be seen near Kinmen islands on Wednesday night.
“We immediately fired flares to issue warnings and to drive them away. They turned around after that. They came into our restricted area and that’s why we dispersed them,”He said. “We have a standard operating procedure. We will react if they come in.”
The general said the drones were sent to gather intelligence, mirroring another recent fly-over near the Matsu archipelago last week, which Taiwanese officials said were intended to probe the area’s defenses.
Heavily fortified by the Taiwanese military, the Kinmens are situated less than 10 miles east of the mainland, and played a major role during previous conflicts between China’s communist government and nationalist forces led by Chiang Kai-shek.
The drone incident on Wednesday came amid a series of Chinese military drills launched in response to Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan this week. Beijing denounced Beijing’s provocative trip as a violation its sovereignty. Taiwan is considered part of China-proper. Chinese media noted that the drills are a breach of Chinese sovereignty. “joint blockade”You can exercise as well “sea assault and land and air combat training.”The Beijing show will also be part of the force display. “advanced weapons,”Global Times reports that it includes hypersonic DF-17 rockets.
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