Link to Article: https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/28/asia/taiwan-china-warplane-flights-intl-hnk-ml/index.html
Summary: On Sunday Taiwan’s Air Force rushed to warn away 27 Chinese aircraft that entered Taiwan’s Air Defense Zone. Taiwan’s defense Ministry commented on this saying that the latest increase in tensions across the Taiwan Strait as China’s president met his top generals. China however says that Taiwan has complained for a year or more of repeated missions conducted by China’s air force near them, often in the more southwest part of its air defense identification zone, close to the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands. Taiwan calls what China is doing “grey zone” warfare, that’s purpose is to wear out Taiwan’s forces by making them repeatedly scramble and to also test out Taiwan’s responses. This isn’t the first time China has inched into Taiwanese air space. Over a 4 day period starting on October 1st Taiwan reported nearly 150 PLA military aircraft entered its ADIZ. The latest Chinese mission includes not only 18 fighter jets but also H-6 bombers which are nuclear capable and also a Y-20 refuel aircraft. The Chinese have not yet directly commented on this mission.
Analysis: With China getting more and more aggressive against Taiwan, it makes you wonder what they are planning. It’s no secret that China is unhappy with Taiwan claiming itself as an independent nation. It is also no secret that China wants Taiwan back. Publicly China has done this by negotiating with Taiwan but behind the peaceful talks are actions such as this. The main thing holding China back from an all out take over of Taiwan is the allies Taiwan has. mainly the United States, the US being the other global superpower is a big deterrent for China. The US will work very hard to keep China away from Taiwan as they have worked very hard to keep a firm grip of power over the South China Sea and letting China take over Taiwan will not only jeopardize US control over that area but will also undermine the US’s power.
Relate to Class: This ties into international relations by showing us how China is approaching it’s relationship with Taiwan. Taiwan in relation to China and the United States is not very powerful but because of the allies that Taiwan has China has to be more careful with how they deal with them. This also partially shows us realist theory as China right now is acting it’s own self interest and is being pretty aggressive in that pursuit. It also shows us how having allies can help both countries involved. As it says in the realist theory the alliance between US and Taiwan is one of convivence as Taiwan needs America to keep China back and America likes having Taiwan as an ally to have more power over the South China Sea