Taiwan details record surge in planes in China's war games, flags risk to region

15/10/2024 12:35

        Taiwan's defence ministry said on Tuesday it had detected a record number of 153 Chinese military aircraft participating in China's war games around the island the previous day, detailing a surge in warplane activity.
        
        China said the one-day drill, designated "Joint Sword-2024B", was a warning against "separatist acts" after a national day speech last week by Taiwan President Lai Ching-te that Beijing had denounced.
        
        The drills were not only a concern for Taiwan, but risked destabilising the region, Premier Cho Jung-tai said.
        
        "Any drills without prior warning will cause great disturbance to peace and stability in the entire region," he told reporters in Taipei.
        
        "China's drills not only affect Taiwan's neighbourhood, but also seriously affect the entire international navigational rights and air and sea space, so attracted the attention of other countries."