Chinese Military Drone Enters Taiwan Airspace Near Pratas Island | Ukraine news

In the morning of Saturday, January 17, a Chinese military reconnaissance drone first entered Taiwan’s airspace near Pratas Island, flying there for several minutes over a stretch of the strait. The information was confirmed by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense.

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, the drone remained in the island’s airspace for about four minutes. Pratas Island is located in the southern part of the Taiwan Strait, about 400 kilometers from Taiwan.

It was also reported that the drone flew at an altitude unreachable by Taiwanese air defense systems. After warnings transmitted via international radio frequencies, the device left the area.

“a lawful and legitimate training”

– Chinese military

Reactions by the Parties and the Context of Heightened Tensions

In Chinese social media, Beijing stated that the drone’s flight was lawful and legitimate training, while Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense called the incident another example of pressure from Beijing.

Taiwan emphasizes sovereignty and is strengthening its defenses in light of rising tensions. In a New Year address, China’s leader Xi Jinping stated that the reunification of both sides of the Taiwan Strait is inevitable. In turn, the U.S. State Department stressed that military maneuvers and Beijing’s rhetoric around Taiwan are heightening tensions.

The government of the PRC regards Taiwan as its territory and does not rule out the use of force to seize the island. Taiwan, however, asserts that it is a separate state from mainland China with its own constitution and democratically elected leaders.