Taiwan detects 33 Chinese military aircraft around island

SpaceWar.com reports: “More than 30 Chinese military aircraft were detected around Taiwan in a 24-hour window, Taipei’s defence ministry said Saturday, marking the largest show of force around the island since it held crucial elections.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, and has never renounced the use of force to try to bring the self-ruled island under its control.

Ahead of Taiwan’s January 13 poll, Beijing warned voters that presidential candidate Lai Ching-te — the current vice president whom China has called a ‘dangerous separatist’ — would bring ‘war and decline’ if chosen to lead.

Lai still won the election, securing an unprecedented third term for the Democratic Progressive Party, which has long rejected China’s territorial claim on Taiwan.

In the 24 hours leading up to 6:00 am Saturday (2200 GMT Friday), the Ministry of National Defence detected 33 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval ships operating around Taiwan, it said in a statement…”

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