The United States reaffirms its support for Taiwan after China sends planes to the island to ‘intimidate’

U.S then reaffirmed its support for Taiwan China will send fighter jets to the island in an apparent effort to intimidate the Democratic government and test the determination of the new US administration.

The State Department on Saturday said it was concerned about “(China’s) pattern of continued attempts to intimidate its neighbors, including Taiwan.”.

“We urge Beijing to end its military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan’s democratically elected representatives.”Ned Price, a spokesman for the department, said in a statement.

The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense noted this on Saturday China sent eight bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons and four jet fighters to its air defense identification zone in the southwest of the island. On Sunday, China sent a further 16 military vessels of various types to the same area, he added.

Taiwan responded by sending fighter jets, broadcasting warnings on the radio and “Air defense missile systems deployed to track activity”the ministry added.

There was currently no comment from China on Sunday.

The flights were part of a pattern of raids aimed at pressuring President Tsai Ing-wen’s government to give in to Beijing’s demand to recognize Taiwan as part of Chinese territory..

They follow the recent inauguration of President Joe Biden and highlight the island’s enduring attitude to the wide variety of divisive issues between the two sides, including human rights, trade disputes and, more recently, questions about China’s initial response to the pandemic. of coronavirus. .