This handout photo taken and released on February 10, 2020 ws a Taiwanese F-16 fighter jet flying next to a Chinese H-6 bomber (top) in Taiwan's airspace [File: Handout/Taiwan's Defence Ministry/AFP]
(Reuters) - Taiwan has spent almost $900 million this year on scrambling its air force against Chinese incursions, the island’s defence minister said on Wednesday, describing the pressure they are facing as “great”.
China, which claims democratic Taiwan as its own territory, has stepped up its military activity near the island, responding to what China calls “collusion” between Taiwan and the United States.
China has been angered at increased U.S. support for Taiwan, including visits by senior U.S. government officials and ramped up arms sales.
In the past few weeks, Chinese fighter jets have crossed the mid line of the Taiwan Strait, which normally serves as an unofficial buffer zone, and flown multiple missions into Taiwan’s southwestern air defence identification zone.
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WNU Editor: The bigger problem confronting Taiwan when it comes to defending itself against China is that it looks like many of its citizens are not interested in serving in the military .... Taiwan must fight stigma of military service if it’s to fend off invasion (SCMP/AP).
