Integrity Score 380
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This makes immense sense!
Tuesday’s PLA Air Force sortie – involving 14 J-16 fighters, six J-11 fighters, four H-6 bombers and four other planes – took off from an airbase in Fujian province and was the largest aerial incursion recorded by Taiwan. The 28 warplanes flew into the southwestern part of Taiwan’s air defence identification zone, crossed the Taiwan Strait and then headed to the eastern side of the island via the Bashi Channel, according to Taiwan’s air force.
The PLA’s largest sortie into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone marked another step forward by the Chinese military because it was the first of its kind on the eastern side of the island, according to military analysts. That side is the furthest from mainland China and hosts two major airbases that could play a key role in any invasion and are sheltered by the mountain ranges in the centre of the island.
What could be the possible reason for the massive incursion?
One, Beijing is likely signalling displeasure with Washington’s perceived instigation of the G7 to issue harsh criticisms of Chinese behaviour not only against Taiwan, but in other areas as well.
Two, a response to a number of US displays of support for Taiwan, including a visit by three US senators who travelled to the island to announce a Covid-19 vaccine donation on a US military transport plane.
Three, China has to demonstrate to the US that the Taiwan issue is one of China’s core national interests, and will get an actual deployment.
It should tell India a couple of things. One is that Taiwan remains the highest military priority for Beijing. And two, the PLA is now measuring itself against the US military. If one is a little comforting, the second is a major worry.