In a statement from the US 7th Fleet in the Pacific, it was stated that the flight was “a demonstration of the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific understanding.”
“With its internationally appropriate action in the Taiwan Strait, the United States protects the rights and freedoms of all countries,” the statement said. statement was included.
The Eastern Front Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, which is responsible for Taiwan and its surroundings, stated that the aircraft was observed and followed throughout its course, and that the Chinese warplanes were on alert.
In the statement, it was stated that the US “sensationalized” the flight, and added, “The US military has been using its ships and aircraft frequently to provoke China in recent days. This is what the US has done, which is causing problems in the region and sabotaging peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. It shows you’re a party.” evaluation was made.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense also confirmed the flight, noting that “no unusual circumstances were encountered”.
The US Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Milius passed through the Taiwan Strait on April 17.
38 Chinese aircraft and 6 ships were seen around the island.
On the other hand, Taiwan Ministry of Defense announced that 36 military aircraft and 6 warships belonging to China were detected around the island during the day.
In the statement of the ministry, it was stated that 19 out of 36 aircraft flew in the area that Taiwan declared the “Air Defense Identification Zone” (ADIZ) and crossed the air and sea line in the Taiwan Strait, which is assumed to limit the areas of influence of the parties.
In the statement, 5 “SU-30”, 8 “J-10”, 2 “J-16” warplanes, “Y-8 ASW” type maritime patrol aircraft, “Y-8 RECCE” type reconnaissance aircraft and “TB-001” It was recorded that drones with “type weapons” and “BZK-005” type unarmed drones flew behind the nominal “middle line” in the Taiwan Strait.
Since the visit of former US Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi in August 2022, China has increased aircraft and ship patrols around Taiwan and regularized flights where it crosses the nominal “middle line” that separates the Taiwan Strait.
The Chinese military conducted military exercises around the island on April 8-10, following Taiwan’s leader Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to Central America and the United States earlier this month.
Taiwan, which China claims to be a part of, has enjoyed de facto independence since 1949 when the People’s Republic of China was founded. The separation that emerged after the civil war between mainland China and Taiwan still continues.
Beijing, emphasizing the principle of “One China”, opposes Taiwan’s establishing independent diplomatic relations with the countries of the world, its representation in the United Nations and other international organizations, and stipulates that the countries that recognize it should break diplomatic relations with Taiwan.