Russian Warplane Hits American Drone 2023... 2021：13 Chinese warplanes on Saturday and 15 on Sunday entered its southwestern air defense identification zone and crossed the midline that divides the Taiwan Strait.

 

Russian Warplane Hits American Drone Over Black Sea, U.S. Says

The incident was the first known physical contact between the two militaries since the war in Ukraine began last year.

A Chinese anti-submarine plane flying in the Taiwan Strait in November. Such drills have become common in recent years.  Taiwan Defense Ministry, via Epa

China’s show of force over Taiwan

China sent warplanes into the Taiwan Strait over the weekend, just days after a new U.S. administration took office.

Taiwan’s military said that 13 Chinese warplanes on Saturday and 15 on Sunday entered its southwestern air defense identification zone and crossed the midline that divides the Taiwan Strait. The drill was the biggest so far this year and the first under President Joe Biden.

In response, a spokesman for the U.S. State Department urged Beijing “to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with Taiwan’s democratically elected representatives.”

Context: Officials from the Biden administration have said that the U.S. will maintain a tough stance toward China while showing support for Taiwan. Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the U.S., Bi-khim Hsiao, was invited to attend Mr. Biden’s inauguration, the first such time a representative from Taiwan was asked to attend since 1979.