A Chinese combat patrol. Photo: china-defence.
TAIPEI/BEIJING, 27 October – Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence reports a new “combat patrol” by the Chinese military, reflecting growing tensions in the Taiwan Strait following the announcement of a significant US arms sale to Taiwan. The incident took place against the backdrop of harsh rhetoric from Beijing, which has promised countermeasures. This was reported by TimeUkraineIsrael with reference to Reuters.
China’s threat and Taiwan’s response
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defence reported that on Sunday morning, 19 Chinese military aircraft, including Su-30 multi-role fighters, entered the island’s airspace. Together with Chinese warships, they were conducting joint patrols near Taiwan, flying near its northern, central, southwestern and eastern borders. Taiwan has sent its own surveillance forces, which demonstrates the island’s determination to counter the ongoing threats from China.
In turn, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement against the latest US arms sales to Taiwan. Beijing called on Washington to immediately stop the arms sales, calling it a step that threatens peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. “China will take decisive countermeasures and use all necessary measures to protect national sovereignty,” Beijing said in a statement.
US-Taiwan deal: modern weapons to protect the island
Last Friday, the Pentagon approved the sale of a $2 billion defence package to Taiwan, which includes an advanced air defence system that was tested in combat during the war in Ukraine. This package, the 17th under President Joe Biden, is in line with the US commitment to defend Taiwan from external aggression.
Despite the absence of official diplomatic ties between Washington and Taipei, US law obliges them to support Taiwan’s defence capabilities. This has caused persistent anger in Beijing, which views Taiwan as an integral part of its territory that must be annexed, even if necessary by military means.
Aggravation of the situation in the Taiwan Strait
In recent years, China has increased its military presence around Taiwan, regularly conducting military patrols near the island and provoking the international community with its aggressive posture. The latest patrol, however, was the first to follow a major exercise conducted by Beijing earlier this month, which once again reminded Taiwan and the world of the seriousness of China’s intentions.
Taiwan defends its rights
In response to the US arms sale, the Taiwanese government expressed its gratitude to the United States, emphasising its determination to defend the island from Chinese threats. “We have a duty to defend our homeland, and Taiwan will continue to uphold its defensive posture,” the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
The Taiwanese side emphasises the importance of self-defence amid China’s threats, and as the new agreement with the US shows, the island continues to receive support to deter potential conflicts.
