Taiwan says China is conducting a ‘combat patrol’ after latest US arms sales

TAIPEI – China deployed fighter jets and drones on Oct. 27 as part of a “joint combat readiness patrol” around Taiwan, Taipei said, hours after Beijing denounced the latest round of US arms sales to the island.

The U.S. Department of State issued a A US$2 billion ($2.64 billion) arms sales package. for Taiwan, including advanced surface-to-air missile systems and radar. The deal awaits approval by Congress.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense said it detected 19 Chinese aircraft, including fighter jets and drones, near the island over a period of nearly four hours on October 27 as part of Beijing’s “joint combat readiness patrol” with warships.

It was the third such patrol reported by Taiwan’s Ministry of Defense this month.

“Taiwan’s military closely monitored the situation with joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance systems, deploying aircraft, naval vessels and shore-based missile systems in appropriate response,” the ministry said.

It came a day after Beijing’s Foreign Ministry said the latest weapons package “constitutes a serious violation of Chinese sovereignty and security interests, seriously harms China-US relations and endangers peace and stability.

“China strongly condemns and strongly opposes it, and has lodged solemn representations with the US,” a ministry spokesperson said in a statement late on October 26.

It added that Beijing would “take all necessary measures to firmly defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity.”

Taipei’s Ministry of Defense on October 25 expressed its “sincere gratitude” for the sale, saying it would “help the military continue to improve its defensive resilience and jointly maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.”

China claims Taiwan as part of its own territory and has refused to rule out the use of force to bring the island under its control.

Beijing has an almost daily presence of fighter jets, drones and warships around the democratic island large-scale war games this month in the area.

Earlier this month, Taiwan spotted a record 153 Chinese aircraft in one day.

The US is Taipei’s main partner and arms supplier, despite having no official diplomatic ties with the democratic island.

In September, Beijing sanctioned U.S. defense companies in retaliation for Washington’s approval of military equipment sales to Taiwan. AFP