Taiwan says detects 47 Chinese military aircraft, highest in two months
HSINCHU, Taiwan — Taiwan said Tuesday it detected 47 Chinese military aircraft near the island in the past 24 hours, the highest number for a single day since Beijing launched large-scale war games two months ago.
There has been intense speculation about the possibility of China launching military exercises in response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's visits to the United States last week.
The Taiwanese defense ministry said Monday its forces were on high alert after Chinese warships and coast guard vessels were spotted near the island and Beijing's People's Liberation Army (PLA) reserved airspace off China's east coast.
On Tuesday, the ministry said it had detected 47 Chinese aircraft and 12 warships near the island in the 24 hours to 6:00 am (2200 GMT).
Taiwan regards itself as a sovereign nation and has its own government, military and currency.
But Beijing insists the island is part of its territory and has not ruled out using force to bring it under its control.
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