Taiwan says 19 Chinese military aircraft entered its airspace

On Sunday, Taiwan says 19 Chinese military aircraft, including nuclear-capable bombers, entered its southwestern airspace, the latest in a string of almost daily incursions by China’s air force.

The Ministry of National Defense claimed that it followed the 19 Chinese jets as they entered its air defense identification zone (ADIZ) and sent radio warnings to the crews. Radar was used to follow the activity, and missile defenses were deployed, according to the statement.

Four H-6 bombers, ten J-16 fighter jets, and four Sukhoi SU-30 jets made up the group. The incursion also included a Y-8 transport and airborne early warning aircraft.

China has not reacted to the flight, which is the largest incursion since at least 28 Chinese air force aircraft, including fighters and nuclear-capable bombers, breached the ADIZ on June 15.

Following a joint statement by the Group of Seven criticizing China on a number of issues and reiterating the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, the intrusion occurred.

Since Tsai Ing-wen was first elected president in 2016, Beijing has been intensifying pressure on the island, claiming Taiwan as its own.