HONG KONG, April 24. /TASS/. Taiwan’s armed forces have registered the approach of 19 aircraft of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and seven warships of the PLA Navy near the island, the Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense reported.
"19 PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 14 out of 19 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern and eastern ADIZ (Air Defense Identification Zone - TASS). We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly," it said.
Taiwan’s defense agency has regularly recorded the approach of Chinese warplanes and warships of late.
Taiwan has been governed by its local administration since 1949 when the Kuomintang’s remaining forces headed by Chiang Kai-shek (1887-1975) were defeated in the Chinese Civil War and took refuge on the island. Taiwan has preserved the flag and several other symbols of the Republic of China that had existed before the Communists took over the mainland. According to China’s official position, which is supported by most countries, including Russia, the Island of Taiwan is one of China’s provinces.