China sends scores of planes across central line in Taiwan Strait

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China sent 74 warplanes toward Taiwan between late Thursday and early Friday, 61 of which crossed the central line in the Taiwan Strait that unofficially divides the sides, an unusually large number as tensions remained heightened in the region.

It wasn’t clear why so many planes were scrambled between late Thursday and early Friday, as tabulated by Taiwan’s Defense Ministry. The planes were sent in two separate tranches, it added.

China considers Taiwan its own territory and uses such deployments to advertise its threat to encircle and possibly invade the self-governing island. China also hopes to intimidate Taiwan’s population of 23 million and wear down its equipment and the morale of its armed forces.

It wasn’t clear if the large number of Chinese warplanes sent on Thursday and Friday were related to the earlier sailing of the British ship.

Six military ships accompanied the Chinese planes, which ranged from drones to fighter jets and early warning and other support aircraft. Taiwan deployed ships, fighter interceptors and land-based missile systems in response.

China sends scores of planes across central line in Taiwan Strait

China has sent 74 warplanes toward Taiwan between late Thursday and early Friday, 61 of which crossed the central line in the Taiwan Strait unofficially dividing the sides.

apnews.com

 

[Tall Timbers]

Since the Commies never conquered that island, mainland China has no good reason that I can think of to consider it theres. Besides Israel, I think Taiwan is about the only other place that is in our own interests to go to war far.

 

[KMendel]

Could the Chinese be thinking that with the US so involved with Israel and Iran right now, it is a good time for them to move on Taiwan?

 

[Margery]

Since the Commies never conquered that island, mainland China has no good reason that I can think of to consider it theres.

that has never stopped the Communists from trying.

Could the Chinese be thinking that with the US so involved with Israel and Iran right now, it is a good time for them to move on Taiwan?

YES! This is exactly what might be happening.

Plus there is a power struggle going on within the Chinese Communist Party and Xi is threatened. If Xi could pull off getting Taiwan, all would be forgiven and Xi might emerge on top again.

He technically is still the leader- but his power base is weakened, and another man called Zhang Youxia is gaining traction.

The CCP elders are still somewhat split acc to the Chinese political gossip channels so it may just be a bunch of hot air.

But if true, this might be China's moment to grab Taiwan.