China flies drone across Taiwan Strait

Island nation’s Defense Ministry says Chinese military’s continued harassment could lead to sharp escalation of tensions

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – China on Tuesday flew a drone across the Taiwan Strait, the island nation’s Defense Ministry said.

The ministry said Taiwanese armed forces detected around 24 Chinese aircraft which included J-10, J-16, KJ-500, Y-9 and the drone.

It said 12 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait or entered the southwest air defense identification zone or the ADIZ, which China does not recognize.

The aircraft also conducted joint combat patrol with five Chinese navy vessels, said the ministry.

Maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait “is a shared responsibility of all parties in the region, including Beijing, and is crucial to the security, prosperity, and well-being of the Indo-Pacific,” it further said.

China considers Taiwan as its “breakaway province” while Taipei has insisted on its independence since 1949.

"We urge Beijing to take responsibility and immediately cease all unilateral actions that undermine regional stability,” the ministry added.

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