Taiwan Identifies 40 Chinese Warplanes in Its Air Defense Zone

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense announced on Thursday that it had identified 40 Chinese Air Force aircraft entering the air defense zone of the island in the past 24 hours. According to a map provided by the ministry, at least four of these aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait northwest of the island, while the others mainly flew south towards Taiwan and the Bashi Channel. Earlier this week, Taiwan had also reported identifying 39 Chinese warplanes and an aircraft carrier near the island. In recent years, Beijing has intensified its military and political pressure on Taiwan, sending warships and aircraft towards it. In response, the United States has consistently supported Taiwan, with the Biden administration confirming less than twenty days ago in a letter to Congress that military assistance to Taiwan is being provided under the 'Special Aid for Independent Countries' program. Previous U.S. administrations had sold arms to Taiwan, but this is the first time the U.S. intends to sell arms to Taiwan under the 'Special Aid for Independent Countries' program. China is displeased with the proximity of the U.S. and Taiwan and has repeatedly expressed its objections. China considers Taiwan a self-governing province that has separated from its territory, while Taiwan views itself as an independent island. Only 13 countries recognize Taiwan as an independent country. The U.S. has adhered to the 'One China' policy for decades, but in recent years, members of Congress have traveled to Taiwan and called for military support. Joe Biden met and discussed with the Chinese Prime Minister in the absence of Xi Jinping. Kamala Harris is participating in the ASEAN summit in Indonesia. The Biden administration confirmed military assistance to Taiwan, welcomed by a senior Republican member of Congress. The U.S. and China agreed to hold new trade negotiations.