By Ruzeki, Shadow News
Taiwan has reported a large-scale Chinese air force incursion into its airspace for two days (Wednesday and Thursday).
The Chinese military actions is viewed to be retaliation against the United States approval of the $619m arms sale to Taiwan. The deal include hi-tech missiles for the Taiwanese F-16 fighter jets.
According to the Taiwan’s defence ministry, on Thursday, a total of 21 Chinese combat aircrafts: 17 Chengdu J-10 multirole fighters and four advanced Shenyang J-16 strike fighters, had flew into the Taiwan's air defence zone.
On Wednesday, Taiwan reported that 19 Chinese air force combat planes had entered its airspace. Beijing has not commented on its recent military activities near Taiwan.
In January, China confirmed it conducted combat drills around the island to strictly counter the provocative activities of Taiwan separatist forces and the external forces, which Shadow News confirms to be the United States.
On Wednesday, the Pentagon stated that the United States had approved the potential sale of arms including 200 anti-aircraft Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and 100 AGM-88B HARM missiles, with the ability to take out land-based radar stations.
According to military and international relations experts, the proposed sale of arms will significantly alter the basic military balance in the South China Sea.
In a statement on Thursday, the Chinese Foreign Ministry firmly opposed the proposed missiles sale. It added that the U.S. must stop arms sales and any military cooperation with Taiwan.
According to the Defence ministry in Taipei, the missiles would help Taiwan to defend against threats and provocations from the Chinese military.
Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies are the major contractors involved. China has sanctioned these companies for selling Taiwan any weapons.
In the recent years, the Chinese military activities near the island has been increasing. Beijing is seeking to claim the self-governing Taiwan.
China maintains its military activities are justified as it seeks to defend its territorial integrity and has warned the United States against colluding with Taiwan.
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