Approached China Bomber Plane, Taiwan Apply Jet fighter
Taiwan's air force deployed a number of jet fighter planes when Chinese bombers flew around the island. The fighter jets will continue to be alerted to monitor the Beijing bombers.
The Beijing bomber's maneuvering took place on Thursday, hours after Taipei vowed not to fear losing its diplomatic allies amid growing pressure from China.
Taiwan is the most sensitive territorial issue in China and the crucial point of military danger. China claims the island as a defiant province and has promised not to allow any attempt by Taiwan to be independent.
Tensions have risen in recent months, in which China is suspicious of the administration of President Tsai Ingwen, who is thought to want to encourage official independence for the island.
Tsai, who took office in 2016, said he wanted to maintain the status quo but would protect Taiwan's security and not want to be disturbed by Beijing.
Citing the Straits Times report on Saturday (5/26/2018), in its latest flight, two Chinese H-6 bombers passed through the Bashi Strait, separating Taiwan from the Philippines. According to the Taiwan Defense Ministry, the two bombers then circled Taiwan through the Miyako Strait of Japan and moved to northeastern Taiwan.
According to the ministry, Taiwan's jet fighters continue to monitor the movement of bombers across the region. The ministry called on the people of Taiwan not to worry because the air force is also able to monitor Chinese aircraft as it approaches.
Meanwhile, Taiwan has lost its second diplomatic ally in less than a month when Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic ties. Tsai said Taiwan would not be involved in "dollar diplomacy" and would not give up when facing Chinese pressure.
Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu submitted his resignation after the announcement of the termination of diplomatic ties from Burkina Faso emerged. However, at the request of the president, Wu will remain in his position as foreign minister. The Dominican Republic has also reportedly cut off diplomatic ties with Taiwan after China poured huge aid into the country.
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