China's Biggest Warplane Show Around Taiwan

On Monday, China pushed the limits by flying its largest number of warplanes around Taiwan during military drills. This move was a response to Taiwan's new president, Lai Ching-te, who spoke about protecting the island's sovereignty. The drills involved fighter jets, drones, warships, and coast guard vessels. China's goal was to simulate a blockade around the self-governing island, something Taiwan called an "unreasonable provocation." Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported that 153 Chinese aircraft were detected near the island over 25 hours. Out of these, 111 planes crossed the Median Line, an unofficial border in the Taiwan Strait. While they didn't enter Taiwan's sovereign airspace, this was the highest number recorded. This time, it even topped the previous record set in September when 103 Chinese aircraft were spotted.

Taiwan reacted by monitoring the activity using its own aircraft, navy vessels, and coastal missile systems. China said these drills were a warning against Taiwan's independence. The exercises happened around Taiwan's National Day when the new president reminded everyone that Taiwan isn't part of China. These drills aren't new; they've become more common over the years. They allow China to watch Taiwan's responses and stretch the island's military resources too. Analysts see this as part of China's plan to keep pressure on Taiwan and make these drills a regular thing. The People's Liberation Army said these drills involved all their forces and happened in the Taiwan Strait and around Taiwan. They even had their aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, near the island. No Chinese ships entered Taiwan's contiguous zone, but experts said these drills are dangerous and get closer each time. The drills started at 5 a.m. local time and finished by 6 p.m. But, even after China said they were done, Taiwan still spotted their jets around the island.

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