Taiwans defense ministry spotted thirty-five Chinese military aircraft (including J-16 fighters and H-6 nuclear-capable bombers) moving south-bound towards the Pacific on a chilly nov-3 morning
The air-fleet – which included various high-tech drones and combat planes – was detected around 9am local time heading south-west of the island; this marks second day in-row of such military moves
China keeps pushing its sovereignty claims over Taiwan despite the islands self-rule status: Beijing dont recognize Taipeis independence and regularly sends its forces nearby. The timing seems linked to next weeks US presidential vote and recent two-billion-dollar missile deal between Washington and Taipei
Lai Ching-te‚ Taiwans president who took office bout six months ago faces strong push-back from Beijing which sees him as pro-independence leader. Even though he often asks for talks: China keeps refusing dialogue with his government
Last month Beijing ran big military drills near Taiwan that included:
* Combat-ready warships
* Fighter jets
* Long-range bombers
* Advanced surveillance drones
Taiwanese forces keep watching these moves closely – their defense systems track every plane thats entering nearby airspace (while US law makes Washington provide Taiwan with defense equipment)