Taiwan says 11 Chinese jets crossed into its airspace

ISTANBUL – Taiwan has said that at least 11 Chinese jets crossed into its airspace on Wednesday and were given radio warnings.

In a statement, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said 11 aircraft of the People’s Liberation Army entered Taiwan’s southwest air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Wednesday.

The ADIZ is a buffer zone outside a country’s airspace, where it has the right to ask incoming aircraft to identify themselves.

The ministry said the Chinese planes were given radio warnings and monitored by military patrol planes and air defense systems.

While the Russia-Ukraine war goes on, China’s moves against Taiwan, which it calls a “breakaway province” have also become conspicuous and concerning.

Taiwan, however, has insisted on its independence since 1949 and maintains diplomatic relations with at least 14 countries.

Tensions have been heightened since last October, when Beijing celebrated its anniversary, and in the days that followed, numerous Chinese warplanes flew into the ADIZ.

Increased air activity across the Taiwan Strait has continued in recent months, with scores of Chinese jets entering the zone and keeping Taipei on high alert.