China warns it will 'smash' Taiwan military jets entering its airspace
BEIJING (AFP) May 24, 2004 China will "smash" Taiwanese military jets if they try to enter Chinese airspace, a mainland official warned Monday, accusing the the island of constantly trying to create military incidents.
In the most recent case, a group of Taiwan jets allegedly tried to cross the middle line in the Taiwan Straits, but were turned back by Chinese aircraft on patrol, the Beijing-backed Wen Wei Po newspaper said.
"Taiwan attempts to create military incidents have gone on without interruption," the unidentified official told the Hong Kong paper.
"If Taiwanese military aircraft cross the middle line and enter into our airspace, we will use military force to smash them or force them to land at mainland bases," he said.
The stark warning came as China kept up its strident rhetoric against Taiwan at the start of a new four-year term for the island's President Chen Shui-bian, who is seen by Beijing as a dangerous advocate of independence.
The paper cited an incident said to have taken place recently, when a group of Taiwan aircraft, including US-built F-16s, were heading for the middle line in the Taiwan Straits.
Although they were flying low to avoid detection, they were spotted by mainland radars, and Chinese jets on patrol in the area were dispatched to block their entry, the paper said.
"We will resolutely hit at Taiwan attempts to create incidents," the unnamed Chinese official said. "We will absolutely not tolerate it."
According to the existing rules of engagement, if Taiwanese combat aircraft do cross the middle line, China's military is to adopt "destructive" force, the paper said.
That force is to be applied not just against the intruding aircraft, but also against support facilities on Taiwan, according to the report.
"If foreign military forces seek to interfere in the clash, it will be seen as foreign intrusion, and we will resolutely counterattack," the unnamed source said.
Ship Status DDG 171 Undergoing sea trials, expected to be commissioned mid year
FFG 526 Undergoing sea trials for a while, expect commission early this year
FFG 527/528 Still in shipyards, in final touchs of weapon and systems fitting
DDG 115 Just launched, commission date (unknown) maybe next year
DDG 138 In Russian shipyard, expect to be ready by later this year
DDG 139 In Russian shipyard, ready next year.
Also, the PLAN is expecting delivery later this two new modified Kilo class SSKs, the first Yuan class SSK, and several Song A class SSKs to enter service
Also awaiting for at least additional 24 Su-30MKK2s and up to 30 JH-7As.
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