Taiwan’s Defense Ministry announced that it scrambled jets and ships in response to “irrational actions” by nine Chinese aircraft that crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait during combat drills. Taiwan issued a statement saying, “The communist military’s deployment of forces deliberately created tension in the Taiwan Strait, not only undermining peace and stability, but also has a negative impact on regional security and economic development.” The incident takes place as Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen is visiting the U.S. China has threatened “resolute countermeasures” if Tsai holds a planned meeting with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on her way back to Taiwan.
