The Pentagon is reaffirming its “rock-solid” commitment to Taiwan after China sent 28 warplanes into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone on Tuesday. That was the largest number of Chinese planes flying near Taiwan in a single day.
The Chinese military planes included one Y-8 anti-submarine warfare plane, one Y-8 electronic warfare aircraft, four H-6 bombers, two KJ-500 airborne early warning and control planes, six J-11 multi-role fighters, and 14 J-16 multi-role fighters.
Some of the Chinese aircraft flew in the airspace between Taiwan and the Dongsha Islands, while others followed a semicircular route and flew to the southeastern side of Taiwan.
When responding to media questions about the incursions, US Department of Defense Spokesman John Supple said that Beijing’s “increasing military activities conducted in the vicinity of Taiwan are destabilizing and increase the risk of miscalculation.”
Supple said the US commitment to Taiwan is “rock solid and contributes to the maintenance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and within the region.” He said, “We will continue deepening our unofficial security relationship to ensure Taiwan has sufficient capabilities to defend itself.”