Taiwan should get used to our warplane flypasts, says China
Beijing has told Taiwan to get used to its warplanes circling over its land after a series of flypasts ratcheted up tensions. “These were routine drills that had been planned,” An Fengshan, a spokesman for China’s Taiwan Affairs Office, said. “In time, everyone will get used to it.”
China was angered this year when the US passed the National Defence Authorization Act, which authorises high-level meetings between American and Taiwanese military officials as well as visits to ports by US warships. The Chinese drills have been interpreted as a bid to deter further military contacts between Washington and Taipei.....
This month, Chinese warplanes sent fleets of fighters, bombers and reconnaissance planes to encircle the island in a show of force. On December 17, Beijing released a two-minute video showing the drills. Taiwan’s highest peak, Yushan, was visible in the background. The military planes flew around the island again on December 18 and 20.
This morning Taiwan’s army vowed to fight back against any invasion. “In the face of menace, we are determined to fear no threat, to resist any invasion, and to fight until the end. We have the determination not to fear any sacrifice,” officials warned in a video. “For any enemies who attempt to invade our country, harm our people and underestimate our capabilities, they will be met with the strong resistance they would not have expected.”
Mr An said any military action to resist unification “would not be conducive” to peace and stability........