Taiwan seceded from China in 1949 after a civil war
BEIJING (DMTN-Web Desk) - China sent warships and dozens of fighter jets to Taiwan on Saturday, the Taiwanese government said in response to a meeting between the speaker of the US House of Representatives and the president of the self-governing island democracy.
The Chinese military has announced the start of three-day "war readiness patrols" as a warning to the Taiwanese who want to make the island's true independence permanent.
Speaker Kevin McCarthy held talks with President Tsai Ing-wen in California on Thursday, joining a series of foreign lawmakers who have met with Tsai to show support in the face of Chinese threats.
On Saturday, eight warships and 71 aircraft were detected near Taiwan, 45 of which crossed the median line of the strait that separates it from the mainland, the island's defense ministry said.
Taiwan seceded from China in 1949 after a civil war. The ruling Communist Party says the island is bound to rejoin the mainland by force if necessary. Beijing says contact with foreign officials emboldens Taiwanese who want formal independence, a move the ruling party says would lead to war.
Taiwan's military said missile defense systems had been activated and air and sea patrols had been sent to track the Chinese planes.
"We condemn such an irrational move that has jeopardized regional security and stability," a Defense Ministry statement said.
Taiwan's military said missile defense systems had been activated and air and sea patrols had been sent to track the Chinese planes.
"We condemn such an irrational move that has jeopardized regional security and stability," a Defense Ministry statement said.
