Military

Chinese Aircraft Probe Taiwan While the World Watches Ukraine

February 25, 2022Dustin Jones
Chinese J-16 fighter jet

A file photo of a Chinese J-16 fighter jet. File photo via Taiwan Ministry of Defence.

While the world focused on the Russian incursion into Ukraine, China sent military aircraft to probe Taiwanese airspace for the second day in a row. 


Eight Chinese J-16 fighters and one Y-8 tactical reconnaissance aircraft were issued radio warnings after entering Taiwan’s air defense zone to the southwest of the self-governed island Thursday, Feb. 24. In response, Taiwan’s air defense missile systems were set to monitor the flights, according to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense. 


Chinese aircraft briefly crossing into Taiwan’s air defense zone is not uncommon. Two Chinese fighters executed a similar flight path Wednesday. In total, 49 Chinese aircraft have crossed into the zone in February. 




China has long claimed Taiwan as part of its national territory and has increased military operations near the island in recent years. In a press conference Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying referenced the Ukraine crisis as a backdrop to reassert Chinese claims, saying Taiwan “is not Ukraine” but rather that “Taiwan has always been an inalienable part of China’s territory.”


Speaking prior to the Russian invasion, Hua kept her comments neutral on Ukraine, saying the Chinese government’s stance is that sanctions don’t solve problems. She noted that the US has had more than 100 sanctions against Russia since 2011.


“Have the US sanctions solved any problem? Is the world a better place because of those sanctions? Will the Ukraine issue resolve itself thanks to the US sanctions on Russia?” Hua said. “Will European security be better guaranteed thanks to the US sanctions on Russia? We hope relevant sides will give this some serious thought and strive to resolve issues through dialogue and consultation.”


Read Next: War Criminals ‘Go Straight to Hell, Ambassador’ — Ukrainian, Russian Diplomats Trade Insults in UN Security Council



Dustin Jones
Dustin Jones

Dustin Jones is a former senior staff writer for Coffee or Die Magazine covering military and intelligence news. Jones served four years in the Marine Corps with tours to Iraq and Afghanistan. He studied journalism at the University of Colorado and Columbia University. He has worked as a reporter in Southwest Montana and at NPR. A New Hampshire native, Dustin currently resides in Southern California.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
dear jack mandaville
Dear Jack: Which Historic Battle Would You Want To Witness?

Ever wonder how much Jack Mandaville would f*ck sh*t up if he went back in time? The American Revolution didn't even see him coming.

west point time capsule
West Point Time Capsule Yields Centuries-Old Coins

A nearly 200-year-old West Point time capsule that at first appeared to yield little more than dust contains hidden treasure, the US Military Academy said.

Ouija Board aircraft carrier
Low-Tech ‘Ouija Boards’ Have Helped Aircraft Carriers Operate for Decades

Since the 1920s, a low-tech tabletop replica of an aircraft carrier’s flight deck has been an essential tool in coordinating air operations.

Army vs. Navy mascot
The Navy Goat vs. the Army Mule: Mascot Origin Stories

For nearly as long as the Army-Navy football rivalry, the academies’ hoofed mascots have stared each other down from the sidelines. Here are their stories.

ukraine long-range weapon
Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Has Developed a Long-Range Weapon, a Day After Strike Deep Inside Russia

Zelenskyy said on his Telegram channel the weapon was produced by Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries but gave no other details.

ambush
7 of the Best Movie Ambush Scenes of All Time

Ambushes make for great action scenes. Here are seven of the best to ever grace the big screen.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, with his daughter, center right, reportedly named Ju Ae, review the honor guard during their visit to the navy headquarter in North Korea
North Korea Launches Missile Toward Sea After US Flies Bomber During Drills

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement that the launch occurred Wednesday but gave no further details, such as how far the missile flew.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
Contact Us
© 2023 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved