China-Taiwan conflict: Taiwan accuses Beijing of staging large military incursion

Taiwan Defence Ministry has claimed that China is staging one of its largest incursions in the seas and skies around the island country. Around 71 Chinese air force planes, including fighter jets and drones, had entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone the report said. Taiwan is self-governed but China regards it as a breakaway province that will eventually be reunited, according to reports.

Tensions between the two sides have risen steadily in recent months. Beijing was enraged in August by a visit to the island by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the most senior US politician to visit Taiwan in 25 years. China responded to that visit by conducting its largest-ever military exercises in the seas surrounding Taiwan as well as blocking some trade with the island.

Following Pelosi's visit, China's military flights near Taiwan have intensified, reinforcing Beijing's view that the US has relaxed its commitment to "one China" policy. Under the policy, Washington recognizes but does not support Beijing's claim that Taiwan is a part of China. Washington also insists that Taiwan's status be resolved peacefully, and a 1979 statute states that the US may interfere if Taiwan is invaded. According to Chinese officials and academics, successive American presidents have leaned toward Taiwan, while American officials claim Beijing has destabilized cross-strait ties with bellicose actions and rhetoric.




Joseph Wu, Taiwan's foreign minister has called China's actions extremely provocative. China has never said it would not use force to take control of Taiwan.

Taiwan's defence ministry announced on Monday that 43 Chinese aircraft had crossed the so-called median line, an unofficial buffer separating the two sides inside the air defence zone. The defense ministry said in the statement that the Taiwanese military was monitoring the situation and has tasked its combat air patrol, Navy boats, and land-based missile systems to responding.

On Sunday, China said it conducted "strike drills" around Taiwan in response to what it called provocation from the island and the US.

FAQs:

1. When did Taiwan separate from China?
   On 25 October 1945 in Taipei Zhongshan Hall, the Japanese government in Taiwan surrendered to the representative of the Republic of China, Chen Yi, and the Republic of China formally received Taiwan.
2. How long was Taiwan occupied by Japan?
   Formosa, the former name of Taiwan was a Japanese colony for 50 years, from 1895 to the end of World War II in 1945.