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Taiwan registers 42 PLA planes, 8 ships in island’s proximity

According to the Taiwanese Defense Ministry, 29 aircraft crossed the so-called median line in the Taiwan Strait in northern, central southern parts of the line

HONG KONG /XINGGANG/, April 8. /TASS/. Taiwan registered 42 Chinese aircraft and 8 ships approaching the island, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry tweeted Saturday.

According to the Defense Ministry, 29 aircraft crossed the so-called median line in the Taiwan Strait in northern, central southern parts of the line, and entered the island’s air defense identification zone.

Earlier, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command announced that the PLA will hold military exercise in the Taiwan Strait, as well as in waters north, south and east of the island. The exercise, dubbed "United Sharp Sword," will take place together with patrols around Taiwan.

The exercise happens amid the Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen’s visit to the US, where she met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. After the meeting, the US side stated the need to continue selling weapons to Taiwan. In response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed a protest, adding that Beijing will take efficient and decisive response measures.

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