China sends 21 warplanes into Taiwan's southwest airspace and western Pacific

China conducted a significant military operation on Saturday, sending 21 aircraft into Taiwan's southwestern airspace and the western Pacific for what it termed "long-range training."

The People's Liberation Army Air Force deployment, which began around 8:10 a.m. local time, included a variety of aircraft. Notably, 19 of these aircraft entered Taiwan's southwest air identification zone and proceeded into the western Pacific. The types of aircraft involved included J-16 fighter jets, KJ-500 early warning and control aircraft, and Yunyou-20 transport aircraft, indicating a complex and coordinated mission.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported that its armed forces were closely monitoring the Chinese military activities using joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance methods. In response, Taiwan deployed its own combat aircraft, naval vessels, and shore-based missile systems to appropriately handle the situation and assert its air defense capabilities. This incursion marks another instance of China's ongoing military pressure tactics against Taiwan.

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The Ministry of National Defense emphasizes that the national army uses joint intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance methods to closely monitor the situation and appropriately respond.