What Went Down on September 5
In the midst of a tense summer, Taiwan’s air force had to spring into action on Sunday, September 5 when 19 Chinese aircraft slipped into the island’s air‑defence identification zone. Among them, at least four bombers capable of carrying nuclear payloads were spotted.
Who Was Flying?
- 10 J‑16 heavy fighters, stealthy and fast.
- 4 Su‑30 super‑maneuverable fighters.
- 4 H‑6 bombers, a classic Chinese platform that can carry dreadnought‑level threats.
- 1 anti‑submarine aircraft, rounding out the diverse fleet.
They cruised close to the Pratas Islands – the area best known for its Chinese‑proximal swirl of military jets – and flew a route that skirted the southern edge of Taiwan’s territorial waters and leaned more toward the mainland.
How Taiwan Responded
Twice‑a‑day fighters were dispatched to give the China fleet a polite, yet firm, “take‑off” notice. Missile nets were put in place, ready to watch the intruders from afar.
China’s Silence
Despite the drama, no official statement came from Beijing this time. This silence is not new – the Chinese often keep their calm demeanor during these “show‑and‑tell” operations.
Last Time the Skies Rolled In 28 Jets
The most sizable incursion happened on June 15, when 28 Chinese planes ventured into Taiwan’s airspace. That incursion remains the biggest recorded by Taiwanese officials.
Why All These Pilots Fly So Close to Taiwan?
China typically traces such sorties back to two motives:
- Reacting to a Taiwanese move that it finds objectionable.
- Showing displeasure with diplomatic support from the United States or other democratic allies.
During the last month, a US warship and a Coast Guard cutter were seen cutting through the Taiwan Strait, potentially prompting this latest show of force.
Taiwan’s Growing Concerns
Just a week ago, Taiwan’s defence ministry cautioned that China’s armed forces now pose a larger threat. “We can lead to a paralysis of Taiwan’s defences and are fully capable of monitoring every deployment,” authorities said.
China continues to defend its actions as a proper safeguard for its sovereignty, framing it as a counter‑measure to alleged “collusion” between Taipei and Washington.
