China has deployed several H-6K bombers and a number of fighter jets including the Su-35 to the Bashi Strait, near Taiwan on Friday morning. Beijing called for the deployment of some of the advanced fighters as an exercise.
The Taiwan Defense Ministry said several H-6K bombers, reconnaissance aircraft and transport planes crossed the Bashi Strait, south of Taiwan. The planes also fly over the Miyako Strait, near Okinawa.
According to the ministry, the deployment of the Russian-made Su-35 fighter jet to Bashi Strait is China's first. J-11 fighter jets and early warning disseminators also took part in military maneuvers yesterday.
*The Taiwan military seeks to reassure the public by releasing a statement that they can fully monitor the Navy and Air Force Chinese exercises. "And take effective responsive steps to ensure defense security," *
China has not recognized Taiwan as a country and regarded it as a defiant province. Beijing has repeatedly threatened military intervention if Taipei is determined to formalize independence from China.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Defense Ministry confirmed that for the first time the Su-35 fighter jet flew over the Bashi Strait. "The new breakthroughs, highlighted a new increase in Air Force combat capabilities," the ministry said in a statement.
Beijing has stepped up military patrols around Taiwan and used diplomatic pressure to isolate the region internationally. The pressure has been made since Taiwan President Tsai Ingwen, of the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, took office in 2016.
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