China sends 30 warplanes into Taiwan’s air defence zone

Considered to be the second-largest incursion, China has sent 30 warplanes into Taiwan's air defence zone this year, including more than 20 fighters.

Taiwan's defence ministry stated that 30 Chinese military aircraft entered the southwestern part of Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on Monday and had scrambled its air force and deployed air defence missile systems in response.

In the past, China has made several incursions into Taiwan's defence zone to keep Taipei's ageing fighter fleet regularly under stress.

Self-ruled democratic Taiwan has been under constant threat of invasion by China. Beijing sees Taiwan as its territory and has affirmed that one day it will be seized by force if necessary.

On the other hand, The US has accused China of triggering tension in Taiwan. Secretary of State Antony Blinken termed the aircraft incursions as an example of "increasingly provocative rhetoric and activity".

Blinken's comment came after US President Joe Biden vowed to break US policy and would defend Taiwan militarily if it is attacked by China.