PROVOCATIVE MANEUVERS & CLOSE ENCOUNTERS
Air & Ship Deployments by China & the United States in Contested Air & Sea Space
Nearly every day, China and/or the United States deploy combat ships and planes in the South China Sea and in areas near Japan and Taiwan to demonstrate resolve and intimidate their rivals. These actions include large-scale U.S. naval exercises in the South China Sea as well as recurring Chinese air and sea maneuvers in areas near Taiwan. While officials on both sides typically claim their forces are merely conducting normal training exercises, these mock combat drills — often conducted in the vicinity of opposing forces — send an unmistakable signal of hostile intent.
Whatever the circumstances, it is not unusual for ships and planes of one side to monitor the operations of the other and even, on occasion, to interfere with them. When this occurs, there is always the risk of a collision or unintended shooting incident, leading to further military action and full-scale conflict. The Committee maintains an ongoing account of these activities, with the most recent posted at the top of the list. We derive the tally from military journals and international news sources. Because some of these events may not be adequately reported, we encourage readers to send us notices of incidents we have missed (write to us at sanechinapolicy@gmail.org).
Provocative Maneuvers in 2023
As it did in the days following then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s August 2, 2022 visit to Taiwan, China has continued in 2023 to conduct near-daily deployments of combat ships and planes in the areas surrounding Taiwan. On many occasions, some of these aircraft enter Taiwan’s self-declared Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) or cross the median line in between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait, prompting the Taiwanese military to dispatch its fighter planes to ward off the Chinese aircraft. The U.S. has also continued a steady pace of naval maneuvers and “freedom of navigation operations” (FONOPs) in the South China Sea and in waters near Taiwan. Both countries have also conducted elaborate naval maneuvers in the East and South China Seas and in waters near Taiwan, often involving their aircraft carrier strike groups.
Useful Abbreviations:
AP = Associated Press
ADIZ = Air-Defense Identification Zone
FONOP = Freedom of Navigation Operations
JSDF = Japan Self-Defense Force
MOD = Ministry of Defense
n.m. = nautical miles
PLA = People’s Liberation Army (China’s military)
PLAAF = People’s Liberation Army Air Force
PLAN = People’s Liberation Army Navy
SCMP = South China Morning Post
USAF = U.S. Air Force
USN = U.S. Navy
USNI = U.S. Naval Institute
Dec. 6, 2023: The Chinese military said it scrambled jet fighters to warn away a USN P-8A Poseidon maritime reconnaissance aircraft as it conducted a surveillance flight over the Taiwan Strait, a body of water claimed by Beijing as part of its sovereign territory but said by the U.S. to constitute international waters. "The aircraft's transit of the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” read a statement from the USN’s 7th Fleet. Source: Reuters, Dec. 6, 2023
Dec. 4, 2023: The Chinese military said that an American naval vessel, the littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords, has “illegally intruded” into Chinese-claimed waters near the Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea, a tiny atoll claimed by both China and the Philippines. According to a statement from the PLA’s Southern Theater, a Chinese naval force was mobilized to track the Giffords during the operation. In response, the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet said the ship “was conducting routine operations in international waters ... consistent with international law.” Source: AP, Dec. 4, 2023
Nov. 23, 2023: The USN guided-missile destroyer USS Hopper conducted a freedom-of-navigation mission near the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, a cluster of atolls and islets claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. According to a statement released by the U.S. 7th Fleet, “All three claimants require either permission or advance notification before a military vessel or warship engages in "innocent passage" through their territorial sea, in violation of international law… The unilateral imposition of any authorization or advance-notification requirement for innocent passage is unlawful. By engaging in innocent passage without giving prior notification to or asking permission from any of the claimants, the United States challenged these unlawful restrictions imposed by the PRC, Taiwan, and Vietnam.” Source: USN 7th Fleet, Nov. 27, 2023
Nov. 21-23, 2023: The U.S. and Philippines navies conducted joint naval and aerial patrols in areas of the South China Sea claimed by both China and the Philippines. The joint patrols were conducted in areas of the West Philippine Sea, an area of the South China Sea that includes the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Participating USN vessels included the littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords and replenishment oiler USNS John Ericsson; a USN P-8A Poseidon maritime reconnaissance aircraft also participated. According to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, the joint patrols were aimed to “enhance regional security and foster a seamless partnership with the United States in safeguarding our shared interests.” Source: USNI, Nov. 21, 2023
Nov. 3, 2023: The USN guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey sailed near the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, a cluster of atolls and islets claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. According to a statement released by the USN 7th Fleet, “this freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”) upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging restrictions on innocent passage imposed by the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Taiwan, and Vietnam.” Source: USNI, Nov. 3, 2023
Nov. 1, 2023: Naval vessels belonging to the U.S. and Canada – the guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta and Royal Canadian Navy frigate HMCS Ottawa – conducted a transit of the Taiwan Strait while being tailed by Chinese planes and warships. The Strait, situated between the Chinese mainland and the island of Taiwan, is claimed by Beijing as part of its sovereign territory but said by the U.S. to constitute international waters. According to a statement released by the U.S. 7th Fleet, “the ships transited through a corridor in the Strait that is beyond the territorial sea of any coastal state. The transit was unremarkable, unprovocative, and consistent with international law.” Source: USNI, Nov. 2, 2023 https://news.usni.org/2023/11/02/u-s-canadian-warships-sail-through-taiwan-strait-china-says-u-s-hyped-up-transit
Oct. 23, 2023: USN vessels joined with others from Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand in conducting naval drills in the South China Seas. The maneuvers, known as Exercise Noble Caribou, consisted of tactical, maneuvering and communication drills. Participating vessels included the USN destroyer USS Rafael Peralta plus the destroyers JS Akenono and HMAS Brisbane and frigates HMCS Ottawa and HMNZS Te Mana. Source: USNI, Oct. 25, 2023
Oct. 16-18: The Reagan Carrier Strike Group, comprised of carrier USS Ronald Reagan, cruisers USS Antietam and USS Robert Smalls and destroyer USS Shoup, conducted tactical exercises in the East China Sea along with a Japanese frigate the JS Noshiro. “We will continue cooperating strongly with the U.S. Navy while maintaining a posture to respond to any contingency at any time in order to contribute to regional peace and stability,” said the Noshiro’s commanding officer, Cmdr. Masafumi Watanabe. Source: USNI, Oct. 18, 2023
Oct. 16-18: The USN’s guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey and littoral combat ship USS Gabrielle Giffords carried out tactical drills in the South China Sea with the Japanese destroyer JS Akebono. “Through the exercise, we improved our tactical capabilities and interoperability with the U.S. Navy,” said Cmdr. Hisato Togawa, commanding officer of Akebono, said in a news release. Source: USNI, Oct. 18, 2023
Sept. 18, 2023: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense (MOD) announced that a total of 109 PLAAF aircraft conducted battle maneuvers in the airspace surrounding Taiwan, a one-day record for such provocative actions. Of these, 40 aircraft, including 36 fighter planes (10 Su-30s, 12 J-10s, 4 J-11s, and 10 J-16s) entered Taiwan’s ADIZ or crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait separating China from Taiwan. On the same day, the PLAN also dispatched 9 warships into waters near Taiwan. Both the air and sea drills were viewed by analysts as intended both to intimidate the Taiwanese and better train PLA forces for a potential conflict over Taiwan. Source: SCMP, Sept. 18, 2023
Sept. 11-15: The Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong and its support vessels conducted naval maneuvers in the Bashi Channel (separating southern Taiwan and northern Philippines) and near the southern tip of Taiwan, including aircraft takeoff and landing drills. The exercise was interpreted by Taiwanese analysts as preparation for possible naval combat between China and the U.S. during a future conflict over Taiwan. Source: SCMP, Sept. 18, 2023
July 22-Aug. 4, 2023: A large assortment of U.S. air and naval forces joined with Australian forces plus those of a dozen other countries (including Canada, Fiji, France, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Republic of Korea, and the UK) in Exercise Talisman Sabre, a major test of joint combat capabilities in the Pacific. A total of 30,000 troops participated in the exercise, along with dozens of warships and support vessels, including the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan. A major goal of the exercise, officials indicated, was to test the ability of the U.S., Australia, and Japan to come to the defense of their allies in the Indo-Pacific region if attacked by China. “Our job and what we spend our time on every day is reassuring our allies and partners,” said Rear Adm. Chris Stone, commander of Task Force 76/3. “We are training…every day to defend this ship, this strike group, whatever it may be. We hope it doesn’t come to that…. But we’re prepared, if it comes to conflict, to defend ourselves and defend the force against a range of threats.” Source: USNI News, Aug. 4, 2023
As part of Talisman Sabre, amphibious assault forces from Australia, Japan, the U.S. and some of those other countries engaged in a major amphibious assault operation at Stanage Bay, Queensland. The U.S. contingent participating in this phase of Talisman Sabre included the America Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), consisting of amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA-6) and landing platform docks USS New Orleans (LPD-18) and USS Green Bay (LPD-20), along with the attached 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Chinese naval vessels reportedly observed the operation from outside Australia’s territorial waters. Sources: USNI News, July 4, 2023, July 21, 2023
July 20-23, 2023: The Chinese and Russian navies conducted joint naval combat maneuvers in the Sea of Japan dubbed Northern/Interaction-2023. The goal of the exercise was both to strengthen Sino-Russian military cooperation and to practice anti-air, anti-ship, and anti-submarine operations. “The exercises marked a major China-Russia joint combat operation in safeguarding the security of strategic maritime routes, as well as an important move in implementing the two militaries' sea-air integrated joint capabilities," said Rear Admiral Qiu Wensheng of the PLAN, the commander of the Northern/Interaction-2023 exercise. According to official releases, Chinese vessels committed to the exercise included the Type 052D guided-missile destroyers Qiqihar and Guiyang, the Type 054A guided-missile frigates Zaozhuang and Rizhao, and the Type 903 replenishment ship Taihu; Russians ships included the large anti-submarine ships Admiral Tribunts and Admiral Panteleev and the corvettes Gremyashy and Aldar Tsydenzhapov. Source: Global Times, July 24, 2023
July 13, 2023: A USN P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol flew through the Taiwan Strait in what the Navy claimed was an assertion of continued U.S. determination to operations in the area. “The aircraft’s transit of the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the U.S. 7th Fleet said in a statement. “The United States military flies, sails and operates anywhere international law allows.” Source: USNI, July 13, 2023
July 4, 2023: The USN aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan and its escort ships, the cruisers USS Antietam and USS Robert Smalls conducted military maneuvers in the South China Sea following a port visit to Danang, Vietnam. As part of the maneuvers, the Antietam and Robert Smalls conducted replenishment-at-sea maneuvers with the fleet oiler USNS Rappahannock. Source: USNI, July 4, 2023
June 3, 2023: A Chinese guided-missile destroyer, the Luyang III (PRC LY 132), swerved in front of an American missile destroyer, the USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), while it and a Canadian destroyer, HMCS Montreal, were conducting a “freedom of navigation operation” in the Taiwan Strait. In a statement, the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command asserted that PRC LY 132 “executed maneuvers in an unsafe manner,” claiming the Chinese vessel “overtook Chung-Hoon on [its] port side and crossed [its] bow at 150 yards,” forcing the U.S. ship to reduce speed to avert a possible collision. “The LY 132’s closest point of approach was 150 yards and its actions violated the maritime ‘Rules of the Road’ of safe passage in international waters.” Source: US Indo-Pacific Command, June 3, 2023
Speaking to reporters at the White House on June 5, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the June 3 was part of “a growing aggressiveness” by China that “we’re dealing with, and we’re prepared to address it.” Chinese officials blamed the U.S. for the June 3 incident, saying the U.S. should cease its provocative maneuvers in China’s backyard. “The best way is for the countries, especially the naval vessels and fighter jets of countries, not to do closing actions around other countries’ territories,” said Chinese Defense Minister Gen. Li Shangfu at the Shangri-La Dialogue on June 4 through an interpreter. “What’s the point of going there? In China we always say, ‘Mind your own business.’” Source: WashPo, June 5, 2023
May 26, 2023: According to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, a Chinese J-16 fighter plane flew directly in from of a USAF RC-135 reconnaissance plane while it was conducting routine operations over the South China Sea. “[The] J-16 fighter pilot performed an unnecessarily aggressive maneuver during the intercept of a U.S. Air Force RC-135 aircraft,” the command asserted in a May 30 statement. “The PRC pilot flew directly in front of the nose of the RC-135, forcing the U.S. aircraft to fly through its wake turbulence.” According to the command, “the RC-135 was conducting safe and routine operations over the South China Sea in international airspace, in accordance with international law” when the incident occurred. Source: Indo-Pacific Command, May 30, 2023
May 2023: The Taiwanese MOD reported that at least some PLA ships and aircraft conducted maneuvers in the air- and sea-space surrounding Taiwan every day in May. The number of PLAN ship incursions ranged from 3 to 11, with 5 the daily average; the number of PLAAF aircraft incursions ranged from 1 to 33, with 12 the daily average. Almost daily, some planes from the PLAAF entered Taiwan’s ADIZ or crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait into the Taiwanese side; on average, these incursions involved 4 aircraft per event. In general, PLAN and PLAAF activity was less intense in May than in April, when China protested the April 5 meeting in California between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
April 28, 2023: A USN P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane flew over the Taiwan Strait, causing the PLA to scramble its fighter jets to monitor the Poseidon’s flight. the Navy reported in a statement. “The aircraft’s transit of the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the Navy said in a statement announcing the flight. “The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows including within the Taiwan Strait.” Chinese Col. Shi Yi, a spokesperson for the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command, denounced the U.S. move. “In the recent period, U.S. warships and planes have frequently carried out provocative actions, fully proving that the U.S. is a disruptor of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and a creator of security risks in the Taiwan Strait,” Shi said in a statement. Source: USNI, April 28, 2023
April 24, 2023: The PLAN’s Shandong Carrier Strike Group (CSG), consisting of the carrier CNS Shandong, the cruiser CNS Yan’an, the destroyers CNS Jiaozuo and CNS Changsha, and the frigates CNS Liuzhou and Xuchang, commenced combat exercises in the South China Sea on this date. According to JSDF officials, the Shandong conducted ten J-15 fighter launches on April 24, prompting the JSDF to scramble fighter aircraft. The Shandong CSG was being shadowed by the JSDF destroyer Akebono (DD-108). Source: USNI, April 24, 2023
April 16-17, 2023: The Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG), composed up of USS Makin Island amphibious assault ship and the USS Anchorage and USS John P. Murtha amphibious landing dock, along with the embarked Marines of the 13th Marine Expeditionary Unit, was operating in waters off the Philippines as part of the U.S.-Philippines Balikatan exercise that started on April 11. The exercise includes more than 17,500 troops from several countries. On April 16, Makin Island exercised in the Sulu Sea off the coast of Palawan with Philippine Navy ships. Source: USNI, April 17, 2023
April 16, 2023: The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG), consisting of the USS Nimitz, the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur and USS Wayne E. Meyer conducted combat exercises in the South China Sea. According to a USN release, the CSG conducted “training among surface, air, and undersea assets, as well as flight operations with fixed and rotary wing aircraft.” “Our presence in the region reinforces open sea lines of communication and the rules-based international order,” said Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, commander, CSG 11. Our commitment to our allies and partners in the region remains ironclad as we promote a free and open Indo-Pacific.” Source: Defense Visual Information Distribution System, April 16, 2023
April 16, 2023: The U.S. Navy’s guided-missile destroyer USS Milius conducted a FONOP transit of the Taiwan Strait, according to a USN statement. “The ship transited through a corridor in the strait that is beyond the territorial sea of any coastal State,” the Navy statement read. “The United States military flies, sails, and operates anywhere international law allows.” China, however, claims that the Strait lies within its territorial waters and that such transits require its permission. “The troops of the PLA Southern Theater Command will always stay on high alert and resolutely safeguard China’s national sovereignty and security and regional peace and stability,” read a statement from Army Senior Col. Shi Yi. Source: USNI, April 16, 2023
April 11-28, 2023: Approximately 17,600 U.S. and Filipino troops participated in Exercise Balikatan (Tagalog for “should-to-shoulder”), the largest iteration ever of this annual joint exercise. The 2023 version of Balikatan aimed to enhance bilateral capabilities in the areas of maritime security, amphibious operations, live-fire training, urban and aviation operations, cyber defense, counterterrorism, and disaster relief preparedness. A major feature of the exercise was a live-fire maritime defense operation on April 26 involving multiple strikes on a mock enemy warship (in reality, a decommissioned Philippine Navy corvette), which was hit and sunk. Attacking forces U.S. and Philippine artillery, High-Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), AH-64 Apache attack helicopters, Philippine Air Force FA-50 Golden Eagle fighter-attack aircraft, F-16 Fighting Falcons, U.S. Marine F-35B Joint Strike Fighters, and a U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command AC-130 Spectre gunship. “This training increased the exercise’s realism and complexity, a key priority shared between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the U.S. military,” said Lt. Gen. William Jurney, commander of U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, and the U.S. director for the exercise. “Together we are strengthening our capabilities in full-spectrum military operations across all domains.” Source: BBC, April 11, 2023; USMC, April 27, 2023
April 10-16, 2023: The PLAN’s Shandong Carrier Strike Group (CSG), consisting of the carrier CNS Shandong, the cruiser CNS Yan’an, the destroyer CNS Jiaozuo and the frigates CNS Liuzhou and Xuchang conducted combat operations in areas of the Philippines Sea south of Taiwan over this period. According to the JSDF, the CSG carried out 140 launches and recoveries of its J-15 fighters between April 10 and 16. JSDF fighter aircraft scrambled in response to the J-15 launches and Japanese destroyers JS Sazanami and JS Asagiri shadowed the Shandong CSG. Source: USNI, April 17, 2023
April 9, 2023: The guided-missile destroyer USS Milius conducted a FONOP mission in the vicinity of a Chinese-claimed island in the South China Sea. According to the USN’s 7th Fleet, the Milius sailed within 12 n.m. of Mischief Reef in the Spratly islands. Claiming that Mischief Reef in its natural state was submerged during high tide (before being enlarged by China through artificial land reclamation), and thus cannot be used to claim an encircling territorial under international law, the Navy insisted that the Milius had every right to sail that close to the reef unimpeded. Operations like these “demonstrate that the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows…regardless of current events,” it declared. Source: USN, April 9, 2023
April 8-10, 2023: While the PLA was conducting air and naval maneuvers in the air-and sea-space around Taiwan (see entry below), the Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG), consisting of the USS Nimitz, the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG 52), and the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur and USS Wayne E. Meyer conducted combat exercises in the Philippines Sea, in areas to the southwest of Taiwan. “The Nimitz carrier strike group and a Marine Amphibious Readiness Group continue to conduct routine operations in the Philippine Sea and will remain in the region,” Chris Meagher, assistant to the secretary of defense for public affairs, told reporters on April 10. Source: USNI, April 10, 2023
April 8-10, 2023: The PLA conducted three days of combat exercises in the air- and sea-space surrounding Taiwan in response to the meeting in California on April 5 between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. The exercises included large numbers of PLA ships and planes in what was described by Chinese media as a simulated attack on Taiwan and foreign forces (presumably U.S. and Japanese) sent to its aid. "Under the unified command of the theatre joint operations command center, multiple types of units carried out simulated joint precision strikes on key targets on Taiwan island and the surrounding sea areas, and continue to maintain an offensive posture around the island," said Chinese state television on April 9. In addition to the air and ship maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait area, the PLA also conducted naval exercises to the south and east of Taiwan featuring simulated combat strikes on that island by planes flying off the PLAN’s Shandong aircraft carrier. According to Chinese military officials, combat planes from the Shandong “carried out multiple waves of simulated strikes on important targets” in Taiwan and on enemy forces deployed to the area on Taiwan’s behalf. Sources: Reuters, April 9, 2023, BBC, April 9, 2023
According to the Taiwanese MOD, the PLA deployed 9 warships and 71 planes on April 8, 11 ships and 70 planes on April 9, and 12 ships and 91 planes on April 10 – representing the largest such deployments ever recorded by the MOD. All told, the PLAAF deployed 232 aircraft over the three-day period, as compared to the 167 such deployments following the visit of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in August 2022, then a record number. Many of these planes – at least 45 on April 8, 35 on April 9, and 54 on April 10 – entered Taiwan’s ADIZ or crossed over into the Taiwanese side of the median line between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait, the unofficial sea border between the two entities. In response, the Taiwanese scrambled their own jets, leading to near-encounters in the skies around Taiwan. Source: Guardian, April 11, 2023
April 2023: The Taiwanese MOD reported that at least some PLA ships and aircraft conducted maneuvers in the air- and sea-space surrounding Taiwan on every day in April. The number of PLAN ship incursions ranged from 3 to 12, with 5 the daily average; the number of PLAAF aircraft incursions ranged from 2 to 91, with 19 the daily average. Major incursions occurred on April 8, 9, and 10, following the April 5 meeting in California between Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, with 71, 70, and 91 aircraft incursions reported on April 8, 9, and 10 respectively. Almost daily, some planes from the PLAAF entered Taiwan’s ADIZ or crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait into the Taiwanese side; on average, these incursions involved 9 aircraft per event.
March 24, 2023: For the second day in a row, as USN guided-missile destroyer, the USS Milius, conducted a FONOP in the vicinity of Chinese-claimed islands in the South China Sea, provoking a harsh reaction from Beijing. On March 24, China's MOD said it yet again had to monitor and drive away the Milius from its territorial waters near the Paracel Islands. "We sternly demand the U.S. to immediately stop such provocative acts, otherwise it will bear the serious consequences of unforeseen incidents," an MOD statement declared. In response, the USN insisted the destroyer was asserting its right traverse the area in repudiation of China’s claims to sovereignty over the islands. “Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded commerce," the USN 7th Fleet said in a statement. Source: Reuters, March 24, 2023, USN, March 24, 2023
March 23, 2023: A USN guided-missile destroyer, the USS Milius, conducted a FRONOP in waters near the Chinese-claimed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, provoking a harsh reaction from the PLA and claims that it had driven off the U.S. vessel. The PLA will “take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty and security and peace and stability in the South China Sea," said Tian Junli, a spokesman for its Southern Theater Command. In response, the USN stated that Milius was conducted a legitimate operation and was not driven off by Chinese forces. "The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows," a statement from the Navy’s 7th Fleet said. Source: Reuters, March 23, 2023
March 13-14, 2023: Two USAF F-22 Raptor fighter jets from the 525th fighter squadron, based at Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, joined Philippine FA-50PH multi-role fighters in joint maneuvers over the South China Sea. “This was the first time that F-22s, or any fifth-generation aircraft, have landed on and operated out of the Philippines,” said Capt. Karl Schroeder, a 525th Fighter Squadron pilot. Also notable was the fact that the Raptors landed at and operated out of Clark air base, once the USAF’s major facility in the region (until the Philippines Senate banned foreign basing arrangements) and is now accessible to U.S. aircraft only on a temporary basis, under what is known as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) . Source: MilitaryTimes, March 21, 2023
February 2023: The Taiwanese MOD reported that at least some PLA ships and aircraft conducted maneuvers in the air- and sea-space surrounding Taiwan on every day in February. The number of PLAN ship incursions ranged from 2 to 6, with 4 the daily average; the number of PLAAF aircraft incursions ranged from 2 to 29, with 11 the daily average. Major incursions occurred on Feb. 28 (with 3 PLAN ship and 29 PLAAF aircraft incursions) and Feb. 23 (6 PLAN, 27 PLAAF). On about two-thirds of these occasions, some planes from the PLAAF entered Taiwan’s ADIZ or crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait into the Taiwanese side; on average, these incursions involved 6 aircraft per event.
February 27, 2023: A USN P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane flew above the Taiwan Strait on these day, provoking an angry reaction from China. "The U.S. side's actions deliberately interfered with and disrupted the regional situation and endangered peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” said a statement released by the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command. The USN’s 7th Fleet said the aircraft had flown in international airspace and that the U.S. will continue to fly, sail, and operate anywhere international law allows, including within the Taiwan Strait. "By operating within the Taiwan Strait in accordance with international law, the United States upholds the navigational rights and freedoms of all nations,” it noted in a statement. Source: Reuters, Feb. 27, 2023
February 11, 2023: The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG), consisting of the aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its escort vessels, along with the 13th U.S. Marine Corps Expeditionary Unit conducted “integrated expeditionary strike force operations” in the South China Sea, according to a USN 7th Fleet statement. The Navy said the exercises involved ships, ground forces, and aircraft, but provided no further details. Along with the Nimitz, the CSG included the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur (DDG-73), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG-93), and USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG-108). Also participating in the multi-domain exercise were the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD-8) and amphibious transport dock USS Anchorage (LPD-23). Source: USNI News, Feb. 13, 2021
January 2023: The Taiwanese MOD reported that at least some PLA ships and aircraft conducted maneuvers in the air- and sea-space surrounding Taiwan on every day in January. The number of PLAN ship incursions ranged from 2 to 9, with 4 the daily average; the number of PLAAF aircraft incursions ranged from 1 to 57, with 12 the daily average. Major incursions occurred on Jan. 8 (with 4 PLAN ship and 57 PLAAF aircraft incursions) and Jan. 31 (9 PLAN, 31 PLAAF). On about two-thirds of these occasions, some planes from the PLAAF entered Taiwan’s ADIZ or crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait into the Taiwanese side; on average, these incursions involved 5 aircraft per event.
January 17, 2023: The U.S. aircraft carrier USS Nimitz and its strike group commenced combat maneuvers in the South China Sea on Jan. 17, after entering the region on Jan. 12. These maneuvers include maritime strike training, anti-submarine operations, integrated multi-domain and joint training between surface and air elements. “The Nimitz Carrier Strike Group has the capability to deliver integrated lethal and non-lethal effects from space to undersea, across every axis, and every domain,” Rear Adm. Christopher Sweeney, the strike group’s commander, said in a statement. Other members of the group included the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill and the guided-missile destroyers USS Decatur, USS Paul Hamilton, USS Chung Hoon, and USS Wayne E. Meyer. Source: Navy Times, Jan. 17, 2023
January 15, 2023: The Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong and its support group conducted what were termed by Chinese state-owned media as “confrontational” naval maneuvers in the South China Sea. According to Global Times, the Shandong held a series of confrontational drills in the South China Sea at a time when a U.S. carrier strike group had entered the region,” referring to the entry of the USS Nimitiz and its support vessels on January 12 (see Jan. 17 entry). “The drills simulated hostile [meaning U.S.] aircraft attacks, and [Chinese] J-15 fighter jets took off from the Shandong and carried out interception training,” the paper noted. Source: Al Jazeera, Jan. 16, 2023
January 5, 2023: The U.S. guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon conducted a transit of the Taiwan Strait on Jan. 5 in what U.S. Navy officials described as a demonstration of “the United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.” A spokesperson for China's embassy in Washington, Liu Pengyu, said China firmly opposed the move and called on the U.S. to "immediately stop provoking troubles, escalating tensions and undermining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait." Source: DW, Jan. 5, 2023
PROVOCATIVE MANEUVERS IN 2022
Following then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan on August 2, 2020, China conducted several days of major military maneuvers in the air- and sea-space surrounding Taiwan and then maintained a steady pace of such deployments in the weeks and months that followed. In the process, Chinese aircraft deployments in these areas jumped from a few per week to a dozen or more per day, making it difficult to keep a detailed entry for each such incident. Accordingly, we now summarize these daily incursions by month. Major U.S. and Chinese deployments are, however, still listed individually.
December 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense reported an increase in provocative maneuvers by the Chinese People’s Liberation Navy (PLAN) and People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) around Taiwan in December. Although the daily presence of PLAN warships remained about the same, averaging 3-4 per day, the number of PLAAF aircraft averaged about 16 per day in December 2022, compared to 11 per day during the last two weeks of November, following the Biden-Xi meeting in Bali. The average would be much lower except for the major display of Chinese air and sea power on Dec. 26, when 7 PLAN warships and 71 PLAAF aircraft were sent into areas around Taiwan, with 47 of the planes crossing the median line in the Taiwan Sea between China and Taiwan.
December 26, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense reported that China deployed 71 warplanes and 7 combat ships in its surrounding air- and sea-space, with 47 of the planes reportedly crossing the median line in the Taiwan Sea between China and Taiwan. Chinese authorities suggested that the massive display of force was intended as a response to increased U.S. military support for Taiwan. “This is a firm response to the current U.S.-Taiwan escalation and provocation,” declared Shi Yi, the spokesman for the PLA’s Eastern Theater Command. The Biden administration criticized the display, stating that the White House is “concerned by the People’s Republic of China’s provocative military activity near Taiwan, which is destabilizing, risks miscalculations, and undermines regional peace and stability.” Source: NBC News, Dec. 26, 2022
December 21-27, 2022: China and Russia held a joint naval exercise in waters of the East China Sea adjacent to Japan. The exercise, dubbed Maritime Cooperation 2022, was to include “joint missile and artillery firing against air targets, artillery firing against sea targets, and practicing joint anti-submarine actions with practical use of weapons,” according to a Russian Defense Ministry statement. “The main purpose of the exercise is to strengthen naval cooperation between the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China and to maintain peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region,” the ministry statement added. Russian participation in the exercise included its Pacific Fleet flagship, the missile cruiser Varyag, plus a frigate and two corvettes; China contributed two destroyers, two patrol ships, a multipurpose supply ship, and a diesel submarine. Source: CNN, Dec. 19, 2022
December 21, 2022: Officials from the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command claimed that a Chinese Navy J-11 fighter jet flew within 10 feet of a U.S. RC-135 reconnaissance plane while it was on patrol over the South China Sea on Dec. 21, 2022. A spokesperson for the Command insisted that the RC-135 was flying in international airspace and was forced to take evasive maneuvers to avoid a collision with the Chinese J-11. Placing blame for the incident on China, the spokesperson stated, “We expect all countries in the Indo-Pacific region to use international airspace safely and in accordance with international law.” Chinese authorities blamed the U.S. for provoking the incident, by sending its combat planes and ships into areas of the South China Sea claimed by China. “The provocative and dangerous actions of the U.S. are the root cause of maritime security issues,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a regular news briefing on Dec. 22, 2022. Source: NBC News, Dec. 30, 2022
November, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense reported a sharp decline in the number of Chinese air maneuvers on Taiwan’s periphery following the meeting between Presidents Joe Biden of the U.S. and Xi Jinping of China in Bali, Indonesia, on Nov. 14. Between Nov. 1 and Nov. 13, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) deployed an average of 22 aircraft per day into the airspace around Taiwan whereas between Nov. 14 and 30 the average was 11 PLAAF aircraft per day. There was also a sharp decline in the number of PLAAF aircraft reportedly crossing the median line in the Taiwan Strait into the eastern, Taiwan-facing side of the line, from 114 such crossing in the Nov. 1-13 period to 12 crossings in the Nov. 14-30 period.
November 5, 2022: The U.S. guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold conducted a transit of the Taiwan Strait on Nov. 5. The Benfold’s transit was first announced by Adm. Samuel Paparo, commander of U.S. Pacific Fleet, on Nov. 18, 2022. Source: USNI, Nov. 20, 2022
October, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense reported daily incursions into its ADIZ by Chinese air and naval vessels in October, involving a daily average of 3-4 naval vessels and 14 aircraft. All told, 433 aircraft participated in these maneuvers. On 22 of these occasions, Chinese aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait into the eastern, Taiwanese side. Typically, the Taiwanese responded to these incursions by sending their own ships and planes toward off the Chinese craft.
Oct. 31, 2022: The Australian Broadcasting Corp. (ABC) reported that the U.S. Air Force will deploy up to six nuclear capable B-52 bombers at the Royal Australian Air Force’s Tindal in northern Australia. Tindal is south of the coastal city of Darwin, where thousands of U.S. Marines Corps troops have rotated for months at time under a 2012 deal struck between then-U.S. President Barack Obama and then-Prime Minister Julia Gillard. The ability to deploy U.S. bombers to Australia “sends a strong message to adversaries about our ability to project lethal air power,” the USAF told ABC. These moves, said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian replied at a press briefing in Beijing, “have increased regional tensions, seriously undermined regional peace and stability, and may trigger an arms race in the region.” Source: Air Force Times, Oct. 31, 2022
Tally of Provocative Military Maneuvers and Close Encounters
Starting January 1, 2022; Updated Through Sept. 21, 2022
Number of incidents: 115
-Of which, U.S.-initiated: 22
-Of which, China-initiated: 93
Those occurring in the South China Sea: 10
Those occurring in the area near Taiwan: 98
Those occurring in other areas*: 7
Number of identified ships involved**: 363
Number of identified planes involved***: 1,702
Number of ballistic missiles fired: 11
*Includes the East China Sea (i.e., waters off the Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands), Yellow Sea, Philippines Sea, other western Pacific
**Does not always include all escort vessels for aircraft carriers; does not include submarines in most instances; foreign vessels only included when accompanying U.S. warships
***Does not include carrier-launched aircraft, which, if included, would bring the total much higher; if no specific number is provided in a report, “a few” or “several” will be counted as “3”
Note: Ever since U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taiwan on August 2, 2022, the Chinese military (the People’s Liberation Army, or PLA) has been conducted near-daily air and sea maneuvers along the median line in the Taiwan Strait, with some PLA Air Force (PLAAF) aircraft flying across that line into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side. We list each of these incidents separately, but it is likely that many of the same ships and planes are involved in each incident. It should also be noted that the U.S. Navy has deployed aircraft carrier battle groups in the neighboring area for extended periods of time, but these are listed as single episodes unless they engage in distinctive operations worthy of separate note.
Abbreviations:
ADIZ = air-defense identification zone
ASW = anti-submarine warfare
elint = electronic intelligence
EW = electronic warfare
FONOP = freedom-of-navigation operation
MOD = Ministry of Defense
NYT = New York Times
PLA = People’s Liberation Army (China’s armed forces)
PLAAF - People’s Liberation Army Air Force
recon = reconnaissance
Stripes = Stars & Stripes
SCMP = South China Morning Post
UAV = unmanned aerial vehicle (i.e., drone aircraft)
USN = U.S. Navy
USNI = U.S. Naval Institute
Incident Reports
Sept. 21, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that six Chinese warships and 38 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line in the Taiwan Strait on Sept. 21, with 17 of the aircraft – including 12 fighters, two Y-8 recon planes and three recon UAVs – crossing into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 21, 2022
Sept. 20, 2022: A U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer, the USS Higgins, conducted a transit of the Taiwan Strait on Sept. 20. The Higgins was accompanied by a Canadian Navy Halifax-class frigate, HMCS Vancouver. “Higgins’ and Vancouver’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the commitment of the United States and our allies and partners to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said a U.S. Navy press release issued in conjunction with their mission. Source: USNI, Sept. 20, 2022
Sept. 20, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that four Chinese warships and 24 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers in areas near Taiwan on Sept. 20. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 20, 2022
Sept. 19, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that five Chinese warships and nine PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line in the Taiwan Strait on Sept. 19, with 4 of the aircraft crossing into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 19, 2022
Sept. 18, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that five Chinese warships and eight PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line in the Taiwan Strait on Sept. 18. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 18, 2022
Sept. 17, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that five Chinese warships and 20 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers in areas near Taiwan on Sept. 17. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 17, 2022
Sept. 16, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that five Chinese warships and 43 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line in the Taiwan Strait or Taiwan’s ADIZ on Sept. 16, with 20 of the aircraft – including fighter planes, two H-6 bombers, and one BZK-005 recon UAV – crossing into the ADIZ or the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 16, 2022
Sept. 15, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that five Chinese warships and 26 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line in the Taiwan Strait or Taiwan’s ADIZ on Sept. 15, with 11 of the aircraft – including fighter planes and one WZ-7 plus one BZK-005 recon UAVs crossing into the ADIZ or the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 15, 2022
Sept. 14, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that five Chinese warships and 24 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line in the Taiwan Strait or Taiwan’s ADIZ on Sept. 14, with three of the aircraft crossing into the ADIZ or the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 14, 2022
Sept. 13, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that four Chinese warships and 11 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line in the Taiwan Strait on Sept. 13, with three of the aircraft crossing into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 13, 2022
Sept. 12, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that three Chinese warships and seven PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line in the Taiwan Strait on Sept. 12, with three of the aircraft – including one BZK-005 recon UAV – crossing into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 12, 2022
Sept. 11, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that five Chinese warships and eight PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line in the Taiwan Strait on Sept. 11, with five of the aircraft – including one BZK-005 and one KVD-001 recon UAVs – crossing into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 11, 2022
Sept. 10, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that nine Chinese warships and 43 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line in the Taiwan Strait on Sept. 10, with 19 of the aircraft – including one BZK-005 recon UAV – crossing into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 10, 2022
Sept. 9, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that five Chinese warships and 12 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line in the Taiwan Strait on Sept. 9, with six of the aircraft – including one BZK-005 recon UAV – crossing into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 9, 2022
Sept. 8, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that seven Chinese warships and 45 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line in the Taiwan Strait or Taiwan’s ADIZ on Sept. 8, with 25 of the aircraft – including 12 SU-30 fighters and one TB-001 combat UAV – crossing into the ADIZ or the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 8, 2022
Sept. 7, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that five Chinese warships and 12 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers in areas near Taiwan on Sept. 7, with three of the aircraft crossing into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 7, 2022
Sept. 6, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that five Chinese warships and 8 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers in areas near Taiwan on Sept. 6, with three of the aircraft crossing into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 6, 2022
Sept. 5, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that four Chinese warships and 17 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line in the Taiwan Strait or Taiwan’s ADIZ on Sept. 5, with nine of the aircraft – including four H-6 bombers and one BZK-005 recon UAV – crossing into the ADIZ or the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 5, 2022
Sept. 4, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that five Chinese warships and 8 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers in areas near Taiwan on Sept. 4, with three of the aircraft crossing into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 4, 2022
Sept. 3, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that five Chinese warships and four PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers in areas near Taiwan on Sept. 3, with two of the aircraft crossing into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 3, 2022
Sept. 2, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that three Chinese warships and 19 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers in areas near Taiwan on Sept. 2, with four of the aircraft crossing into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 2, 2022
Sept. 1, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that eight Chinese warships and 53 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line in the Taiwan Strait or Taiwan’s ADIZ on Sept. 1, with 23 of the aircraft – including two H-6 bombers – crossing into the ADIZ or the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Sept. 1, 2022
Aug. 31, 2022: The Taiwanese MOD announced that seven Chinese warships and 62 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along Taiwan’s ADIZ on Aug. 31, with 23 of the aircraft – including nine J-16 fighters and four JH-7 fighter-bombers – crossing into the ADIZ. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 31, 2022
Aug. 30, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that 11 Chinese warships and 24 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait or the southwest corner of Taiwan’s ADIZ on Aug. 30, with eight of the aircraft – two J-11, two J-16, and two Su-30 fighters and one JH-7 fighter-bomber and one Y-8 ASW plane – flying into the ADIZ or the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 30, 2022
Aug. 29: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that eight Chinese warships and 37 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait on Aug. 29, with 12 of the aircraft – two J-11, two J-16, and eight Su-30 fighters – flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 29, 2022
Aug. 28, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that eight Chinese warships and 23 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait or the southwest corner of Taiwan’s ADIZ on Aug. 28, with ten of the aircraft – two J-10, three J-11, two J-16, and one Su-30 fighters and one Y-8 ASW plane and one WZ-10 attack helicopter – flying into ADIZ or the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 28, 2022
Aug. 28, 2022: Two U.S. Navy guided missiles cruisers, the USS Antietam (CG-54) and USS Chancellorsville (CG-62), conducted a transit of the Taiwan Strait on Aug. 28. This was the first time the Navy sent two cruisers through the Strait since the Committee began its tally of Provocative Maneuvers in 2020. “The ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said a statement from the Navy’s 7th Fleet. The PLA’s Eastern Command issued a stern rebuke: U.S. warships frequently flex muscles in the name of exercising freedom of navigation. This is not about keeping the region free and open. This is provocation aimed at ‘freedom of trespassing’ and it constitutes deliberate sabotage of regional peace and stability,” said command spokesman Zhao Lijian. Source: USNI, Aug. 29, 2022
Aug. 28, 2022: The U.S. Navy’s amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA-7) is conducted combat exercises in the South China Sea, along with its complement of 20 F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighters. According to the U.S. Naval Institute, the full-deck LHA and onboard aircraft are testing out the Navy’s “lightning carrier” concept. Source: USNI, Aug. 29, 2022
Aug. 27, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that five Chinese warships and 21 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the southwest corner of Taiwan’s ADIZ on Aug. 27, with 13 of the aircraft – two J-10 and seven J-16 fighters and four H-6 bombers – flying into the ADIZ. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 27, 2022
Aug. 26, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that eight Chinese warships and 35 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait on Aug. 26, with 18 of the aircraft – three J-10, three J-11, four J-16 and eight Su-30 fighters – flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 26, 2022
Aug. 25, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that four Chinese warships and 15 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait on Aug. 25, with nine of the aircraft – two JH-7, four J-11, and three Su-30 fighters – flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 25, 2022
Aug. 24, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that four Chinese warships and 13 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait on Aug. 24, with two Su-30 fighters flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 24, 2022
Aug. 23, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that four Chinese warships and 20 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait on Aug. 23, with nine of the aircraft – two J-11, four J-16, and three Su-30 fighter planes – flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 23, 2022
Aug. 22, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that five Chinese warships and 15 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait on Aug. 22, with 11 of the aircraft – two JH-7, two J-10, two J-11, one J-16, and two Su-30 fighters and two Y-8 recon/ASW planes – flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 22, 2022
Aug, 21, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that five Chinese warships and 12 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait on Aug. 21, with some of the aircraft – two J-10 and two Su-30 fighter planes and one Y-8 ASW plane – flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 21, 2022
Aug. 20, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that five Chinese warships and 17 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait on Aug. 20, with some of the aircraft – two JH-7, two J-11, and two Su-30 fighter planes and one Y-8 ASW plane – flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 20, 2022
Aug. 19, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that six Chinese warships and 17 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait on Aug. 19, with some of the aircraft – four JH-7, two J-11, and two Su-30 fighter planes – flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 19, 2022
Aug. 18, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that six Chinese warships and 51 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers around along the median line between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait and the southwestern corner of Taiwan’s ADIZ on Aug. 18, with some of the aircraft – four J-10, six J-16, and 12 Su-30 fighter planes and two H-6 bombers and one Y-8 ASW plane – flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the median line or the ADIZ. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 18, 2022
Aug. 17, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that five Chinese warships and 21 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait on Aug. 17, with some of the aircraft – two J-11 and two Su-30 fighter planes and one Y-8 ASW plane – flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side of the line. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 17, 2022
Aug. 16, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that five Chinese warships and 17 PLAAF aircraft engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait and the southwestern corner of Taiwan’s ADIZ on Aug. 16, with some of the aircraft – three J-11, two J-16, and four Su-30 fighter planes and one Y-8 elint plane – flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side or the median line or the ADIZ. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 16, 2022
Aug. 15, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that five Chinese warships and 30 PLAAF aircraft – including two J-11, four J-16, and eight Su-30 fighter planes – engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan on Aug. 15, with some of the aircraft flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side. These maneuvers were believed to have occurred in response to a visit to Taiwan by a U.S. Congressional delegation headed by Sen. Ed Markey. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 15, 2022, Reuters, Aug. 15, 2022
Aug. 14, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that six Chinese warships and 22 PLAAF aircraft – including two J-10, two J-11, two J-16, and four Su-30 fighter planes and one KJ-500 airborne control plane – engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan on Aug. 14, with some of the aircraft flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side. The Taiwanese military responded with defensive air, naval, and land-based missile deployments. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 14, 2022
Aug. 13, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that six Chinese warships and 29 PLAAF aircraft – including two J-10, four J-16, and six Su-30 fighter planes and one Y-8 ASW aircraft – engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan on Aug. 13, with some of the aircraft flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side. The Taiwanese military responded with defensive air, naval, and land-based missile deployments. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 13, 2022
Aug. 12, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that six Chinese warships and 24 PLAAF aircraft – including two J-10, four J-16, and four Su-30 fighter planes – engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan on Aug. 12, with some of the aircraft flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side. The Taiwanese military responded with defensive air, naval, and land-based missile deployments. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 12, 2022
Aug. 11, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that six Chinese warships and 21 PLAAF aircraft – including four J-11 and six Su-30 fighter planes – engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan on Aug. 11, with some of the aircraft flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side. The Taiwanese military responded with defensive air, naval, and land-based missile deployments. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 11, 2022
Aug. 10, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that ten Chinese warships and 36 PLAAF aircraft – including eight J-11 and nine Su-30 fighter planes – engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan on Aug. 10, with some of the aircraft flying into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side. The Taiwanese military responded with defensive air, naval, and land-based missile deployments. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 10, 2022
Aug. 9, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that ten Chinese warships and 45 PLAAF aircraft – including four J-11, four J-16, and eight Su-30 fighter planes – engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan on Aug. 9, with some of the aircraft crossing the line into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side. The Taiwanese military responded with defensive air, naval, and land-based missile deployments. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 9, 2022
Aug. 8, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that 13 Chinese warships and 39 PLAAF aircraft – including two JH-7, six J-11, four J-16, and eight Su-30 fighter planes plus one KA-28 aircraft – engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan on Aug. 8, with some of the aircraft crossing the line into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side. The Taiwanese military responded with defensive, naval, and land-based missile deployments. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 8, 2022
Aug. 7, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that 14 Chinese warships and 66 PLAAF aircraft – including four J-11, six J-16, and eight Su-30 fighter planes plus three H-6 bombers and one Y-8 ASW aircraft – engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan on Aug. 7, with some of the aircraft crossing the line into the eastern (Taiwan-facing) side. The Taiwanese military responded with defensive, naval, and land-based missile deployments. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 7, 2022
Aug. 6, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that 20 PLAAF aircraft – four J-11, six J-16, and ten Su-30 fighter planes plus one Y-8 ASW and one Y-20 refueling aircraft - engaged in military maneuvers along the median line between China and Taiwan on Aug. 6. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 6, 2022
Aug. 5, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that 49 PLAAF aircraft – seven J-10, six J-11, ten J-16, and 24 Su-30 fighter planes plus two Y-8 EW/ASW aircraft - crossed the median line between China and Taiwan on Aug. 5. These maneuvers were widely interpreted as a protest against U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan on Aug. 2nd. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 5, 2022
Aug. 5, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that 68 Chinese warplanes and 13 naval vessels engaged in military maneuvers in the Taiwan Strait on Aug. 5, with some crossing the median line between China and Taiwan. These maneuvers were widely interpreted as a protest against U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan on Aug. 2nd. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 5, 2022
Aug. 4, 2022: U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin directed the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group to remain on station in waters southeast of Taiwan for the time being, following maneuvers conducted by the strike group in that area (see July 28 entry). In addition, the Navy has moved the large-deck Marine amphibious vessel USS Tripoli (LHA-7), with up to 20 F-35B vertical landing and short takeoff stealth fighters, to waters east of Taiwan. Source: USNI, Aug. 4, 2022
Aug. 4, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that 22 PLAAF aircraft – eight J-11, four J-16, and 12 Su-30 fighter planes – engaged in flight maneuvers over the Taiwan Strait adjacent to the median line between China and Taiwan on Aug. 4. These maneuvers were widely interpreted as a protest against U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan on Aug. 2. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 3, 2022
Aug. 4, 2022: China fired eleven Dong-Feng 15 (DF-15) ballistic missiles into waters east, south, and north of Taiwan on Aug. 4 in a demonstration of force following the Aug. 2nd visit to Taiwan by U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Observers of the missile assaults suggested that they were intended to demonstrate China’s capacity to blockade Taiwan in the event of a future crisis or conflict between China and the island. Five of the missiles were said to have landed in Japan’s exclusive economic zone, prompting an angry protest by Japan’s prime minister, Fumio Kishida. Source: NYT, Aug. 5, 2022
Aug. 3, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that 27 PLAAF aircraft – six J-11, five J-16, and 16 Su-30 fighter planes – engaged in flight maneuvers over the Taiwan Strait adjacent to the median line between China and Taiwan on Aug. 3. These maneuvers were widely interpreted as a protest against U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to Taiwan on Aug. 2. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 3, 2022
Aug. 2, 2022: The U.S. Navy deployed the USS Tripoli, its newest big-deck amphibious ship, with its complement of 20 F-35 stealth fighters and an onboard Marine reaction force of 1,700, in waters near Taiwan as Nancy Pelosi arrived on the island for a visit that was heavily criticized by Chinese officials. The Tripoli joined the Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, which was also deployed in these waters (see July 28 entry, below). Source: Times of San Diego, Aug. 2, 2022,
Aug. 2, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that 21 PLAAF aircraft – eight J-11 and ten J-16 fighter planes plus one Y-8 elint, one Y-9 EW, and one KJ-500 airborne control planes - entered the southwest corner of Taiwan’s ADIZ on Aug. 2. Source: Taiwan MOD, Aug. 2, 2022
July 28, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that three Chinese warplanes – two JH-7 and one Y-8 recon plane – had penetrated the southwest corner of its ADIZ on July 28. The same aircraft, it appears, penetrated Taiwan’s ADIZ on July 27. Source: Taiwan MOD, July 28, 2022
July 28, 2022: The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group, consisting of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, the guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins, began naval maneuvers in the South China Sea after paying a port call in Singapore. The Reagan "is continuing normal, scheduled operations as part of her routine patrol in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific," said Commander Hayley Sims said in a statement to Reuters. "It is clear from this for everyone to see who is the biggest threat to the South China Sea and the Asian region's peace and stability,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a regular briefing on July 28. Source: Reuters, July 28, 2022
July 26, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that three Chinese warplanes – two JH-7 and one Y-8 recon plane – had penetrated the southwest corner of its ADIZ on July 26. Source: Taiwan MOD, July 26, 2022
July 24, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that four Chinese warplanes – two J-16 fighters, one Y-8 ASW and one Y-8 recon planes – had penetrated the southwest corner of its ADIZ on July 24. The same aircraft, it appears, penetrated Taiwan’s ADIZ on July 23. Source: Taiwan MOD, July 24, 2022
July 22, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that six Chinese warplanes – four J-16 fighters, one Y-8 EW and one KJ-500 airborne control plane – had penetrated the southwest corner of its ADIZ on July 22. Source: Taiwan MOD, July 22, 2022
July 20, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that three Chinese warplanes – two J-16 fighters and one Y-8 EW plane – had penetrated the southwest corner of its ADIZ on July 20. Source: Taiwan MOD, July 20, 2022
July 19, 2022: A U.S. warship, the guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold, conducted a transit of the Taiwan Strait on July 19 in defiance of Chinese claims that the strategic waterway was part of its national waters. “This freedom of navigation operation (“FONOP”) upheld the rights, freedoms, and lawful uses of the sea recognized in international law by challenging restrictions on innocent passage imposed by the People’s Republic of China,” said a statement issued by the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet. Chinese military authorities responded that the U.S. is a "maker of security risks" with its frequent provocations in the Taiwan Strait. Source: USNI, July 19, 2022
July 16, 2022: A U.S. warship, the guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold, sailed in the vicinity of the Chinese-claimed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, in what was described by the U.S. Navy as a “freedom of navigation operation” (FONOP). Source: Reuters, July 16, 2022
July 15, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that ten Chinese warplanes – two J-16 and two J-11 fighters, 1 H-6 bomber, two Y-8 and one Z-9 ASW planes, and two JH-7 aircraft – had penetrated the southwest corner of its ADIZ on July 15. Source: Taiwan MOD, July 15, 2022
July 13-, 2022: The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group commence combat exercises in the South China. Consisting of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, The guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam and the guided-missile destroyer USS Higgins, were to conduct “flight operations with fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, maritime strike exercises, and coordinated tactical training between surface and air units,” according to a U.S. Navy 7th Fleet statement. “Our strike group works consistently to stay capable and ready and we continue that focus during operations in the South China Sea to demonstrate our commitment to the region,” said the Reagan strike group’s commander, Rear Adm. Michael Donnelly. Source: USN 7th Fleet, July 13, 2022
July 13, 2022: A U.S. warship, the guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold, sailed in the vicinity of the Chinese-claimed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, in what was described by the U.S. Navy as a “freedom of navigation operation” (FONOP). Chinese military authorities claimed that the mission violated China’s sovereignty and that it had mobilized its forces to chase the Benfold away from the area. “The U.S. military’s actions have seriously violated China’s sovereignty and security.” In response, China “organized sea and air forces in the southern theater of the People’s Liberation Army [PLA] to follow up and monitor and warn them to drive away,” said a statement from the Chinese Ministry of Defense. The PLA also released a photo showing the Benfold being monitored by one of its frigates, the Xianning. Source: USNI, July 13, 2022
July 12, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that four Chinese warplanes – two J-16 fighters and two Y-8 EW/ASW planes – had penetrated the southwest corner of its ADIZ on July 12. Source: Taiwan MOD, July 12, 2022
July 11, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that three Chinese warplanes – one J-16 fighter and two Y-8 EW/ASW planes – had penetrated the southwest corner of its ADIZ on July 11. Source: Taiwan MOD, July 11, 2022
July 9, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that five Chinese warplanes – two J-16 fighters, two Y-8 EW/ASW planes, and one KJ-500 airborne control plane – had penetrated the southwest corner of its ADIZ on July 9. Source: Taiwan MOD, July 19, 2022
July 8, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that nine Chinese warplanes – seven J-10, J-11, and 10 J-16 fighters and two Y-8 EW/recon planes – had penetrated the southwest corner of its ADIZ on July 8. Source: Taiwan MOD, July 8, 2022
June 28, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that two Chinese Y-8 EW/ASW planes had penetrated its southwest ADIZ on June 28. Source: Taiwan MOD, June 28, 2022
June 24, 2022: The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command announced that a U.S. Navy E-8A Poseidon electronic surveillance plane flew over the Taiwan Strait on June 24 to demonstrate U.S. adherence to the view that the Strait is an international waterway, not part of China’s national maritime territory. “A U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon transited the Taiwan Strait in international airspace on June 24…. The aircraft’s transit of the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the command’s announcement read. In response, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command mobilized air and ground forces to monitor and guard the entire operation of the US aircraft, according to a Chinese military account on social media platform Weibo. “We express firm opposition to the US’ deliberate act to disrupt the regional situation and undermine peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait,” said the Weibo post, adding that troops were on “high alert at all times to resolutely safeguard national sovereignty.” Source: CNN, June 24, 2022
June 23, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that 22 Chinese warplanes – five J-5 and 10 J-16 fighters, two H-6 bombers, three Y-8 EW/ASW planes, and two KJ-500 airborne control planes – had penetrated its ADIZ on June 23. In response, the Taiwanese military scrambled combat aircraft to warn the Chinese jets away, issued radio warnings and deployed air defense missile systems to monitor the activities, the Defense Ministry added. Source: Taiwan MOD, June 23, 2022
June 22, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that six Chinese warplanes – four J-16 fighters and two Y-8 EW/ASW planes – had penetrated the southwest corner of its air-defense identification zone ADIZ on June 22. Source: Taiwan MOD, June 22, 2022
June 21, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that 29 Chinese warplanes –eight J-16, five J-11, and four Su-30 fighters, six H-6 bombers, 2 Y-8 EW/ASW planes, one Y-8 elint plane, one KJ-500 airborne command plane, and one Y020 aerial refueling plane – had penetrated its ADIZ on June 21. Source: Taiwan MOD, June 21, 2022
June 19, 2022: : The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that 10 Chinese warplanes – two J-10, two J-11, and four J-16 fighters, one H-6 bomber, and one KJ-500 airborne command plane – had penetrated its southwest ADIZ on June 19. Source: Taiwan MOD, June 19, 2022
June 18, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense announced that three Chinese warplanes – two J-16 fighters and one Y-8 ASW patrol plane – had penetrated its ADIZ on June 18. The Ministry had also reported a previous incursion by a single Y-8 patrol plane on June 14. Source: Taiwan MOD, June 18, 2022
May 30, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense announced that 30 Chinese warplanes had penetrated its air-defense identification zone (ADIZ) on May 30, the largest such incursion since January 23. Included in the Chinese air formation, according to the ministry, were 22 fighter planes (six J-16s, eight J-11s, four J-10s, two SU-35s, and two SU-30s), six Y-8 electronic warfare/ASW aircraft, and two KJ-500 airborne command planes. Taiwan reportedly sent combat aircraft to warn away the Chinese aircraft, while missile systems were deployed to monitor them, the ministry added. Source: Reuters, May 30, 2022
May 29, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense announced that five Chinese warplanes had penetrated its air-defense identification zone (ADIZ) on May 29. According to the ministry, the Chinese formation consisted of four SU-30 fighters and one Y-8 ASW aircraft. Source: Taiwan MOD, May 29, 2022
May 28, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense announced that seven Chinese warplanes had penetrated its air-defense identification zone (ADIZ) on May 28. According to the ministry, the Chinese formation consisted of six J-16 and one SU-30 fighter planes. Source: Taiwan MOD, May 29, 2022
May 26, 2022: The Australian Ministry of Defense reported on June 5 that one of its aircraft, a RAAF P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft, was intercepted by a Chinese J-16 fighter during maritime surveillance activity in international airspace in the South China Sea region. Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles said the J-16 aircraft flew very close to the side of the Australian plane, where it released flares. “The J-16 then accelerated and cut across the nose of the P-8…at very close distance,” he told reporters in Melbourne. “At that moment, it then released a bundle of chaff, which contains small pieces of aluminum, some of which were ingested into the engine of the P-8 aircraft. Quite obviously, this is very dangerous.” He said the crew of the P-8 responded professionally and returned the aircraft to its base. Sources: A.A.P., June 5, 2022. In response, China said on June 7 that its military had identified an Australian military aircraft and warned it to leave China’s airspace. Tan Kefei, spokesman at the Chinese defence ministry, said the Australian military flights seriously threatened China's sovereignty and security and that the countermeasures taken by the Chinese military were reasonable and lawful. Source: Reuters, June 7, 2022
May 26, 2022: Four U.S. F-16 fighter planes joined four Japanese F-15 fighters in a joint patrol over the Sea of Japan on May 26, in what was described as response to a Russia-China joint bomber flight while President Biden was in Tokyo on May 24 (see below). The joint flight was meant to demonstrate the combined capabilities of the two militaries and further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance, according to a statement released by the Joint Command of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces. Source: MilitaryTimes, May 26, 2022
April 26-May 26, 2022: The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) reported on June 1 that a Royal Canadian Air Force CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft was intercepted on several occasions by combat aircraft of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) while conducting “Op NEON” surveillance operations in pursuance of UN Security Council resolutions imposing sanctions on North Korea for illicit arms activities. “Op NEON… conduct[s] surveillance operations to identify suspected maritime sanctions evasion activities, in particular ship-to-ship transfers of fuel and other commodities banned by the United Nations Security Council Resolutions,” the CAF report indicated. During the intercepts, “PLAAF aircraft did not adhere to international air safety norms…. In some instances, the RCAF aircrew felt sufficiently at risk that they had to quickly modify their own flight path in order to increase separation and avoid a potential collision with the intercepting aircraft.” Source: Govt. of Canada, June 1, 2022
May 24, 2022: Two Chinese and four Russian warplanes participated in a joint air exercise over the East China Sea while President Biden was in Tokyo at the end of a four-day visit to Asia aimed at bolstering U.S. alliances in the region. Russia’s defense ministry confirmed the joint patrol, which it said lasted 13 hours over the Japanese and East China seas and involved Russian Tu-95 and Chinese H-6 strategic bombers. Both Japan and South Korea scrambled their jet fighters when the Chinese and Russian aircraft approached (but did not enter) their airspace. Senior U.S. officials condemned the joint flight, saying it demonstrated close Sino-Russian cooperation despite the brutality of Russian aggression in Ukraine. “We think it shows that China continues to be willing to closely align themselves with Russia, including through military cooperation,” a senior Biden administration declared. “China is not walking away from Russia. Instead, the exercise shows that China is ready to help Russia defend its east while Russia fights in its west,” the person said. Source: Reuters, May 24, 2022
May 20, 2022: Taiwan scrambled fighter jets on May 20 in response to an incursion by 14 Chinese warplanes into its air defense identification zone, an incursion coming the first day of President Joe Biden’s five-day visit to Asia. The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense said that the Chinese air formation included four J-11 and five J-16 fighters, 3 H-6 bombers, and two Y-8 ASW/EW aircraft. Source: Stripes, May 21, 2022
May 19, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense announced that seven Chinese warplanes had entered its air-defense identification zone (ADIZ). The Chinese air formation consisted of four J-16 and one Su-20 fighters, one H-6 bomber, and one Y-8 electronic-warfare aircraft. Source: Taiwan MOD, May 19, 2022
May 18, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense announced that four Chinese warplanes had entered its air-defense identification zone (ADIZ). The Chinese air formation consisted of two J-16 fighters and two Y-8 ASW/EW aircraft. Source: Taiwan MOD, May 18, 2022
May 10, 2022: The U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet said the guided-missile cruiser USS Port Royal conducted a "routine" transit through the Taiwan Strait on May 10 "in accordance with international law.” The People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theatre Command said in a statement that its forces had monitored the ship throughout the transit and "warned" it. "The United States frequently stages such dramas and provokes trouble, sending wrong signals to Taiwan independence forces, and deliberately intensifying tensions across the Taiwan Strait," it added. Source: Reuters, May 11, 2022
May 7, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense announced that five Chinese warplanes had entered its air-defense identification zone (ADIZ). The Chinese air formation consisted of one KJ-500 airborne control plane, two Y-8 electronic-warfare aircraft, and two H-6 bombers. Source: Taiwan MOD, May 7, 2022
May 6, 2022: Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said it had scrambled its jet fighters on May 6 to ward off an intrusion by 18 Chinese air force combat planes into its air-defense identification zone. Included in the Chinese air group were six J-11 and six J-16 fighters as well as two H-6 bombers. The H-6 bombers, accompanied by a Y-8 anti-submarine aircraft, flew to the south of Taiwan through the Bashi Channel which separates the island from the Philippines; the other aircraft flew over an area to the northeast of the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands at the top end of the South China Sea, according to a ministry map. Source: Reuters, May 6, 2022
May 2, 2022: Eight Chinese naval vessels, including an aircraft carrier, passed between islands in Japan's southern Okinawa chain on May 2, Japan's defence ministry said in a news release. The ships, which included the Liaoning carrier and several destroyers, sailed between the main Okinawa island and Miyakojima, but did not enter into Japan's territorial waters. Source: Reuters, via US News, May 2, 2022
April 26, 2022: The guided-missile destroyer USS Sampson conducted a transit of the Taiwan Strait on April 26 in what was described as a “routine” operation by the U.S. 7th Fleet. “The ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States’ commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the statement indicated. “The United States military flies, sails, and operates anywhere international law allows.” Source: USNI News, April 26, 2022
April 19, 2022: The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group conducted combat exercises with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force in the Philippine Sea and East China Sea on April 19, the U.S. Navy reported. The carrier strike group teamed up with Japanese destroyers Inazuma and Kongo to complete air warfare training and other exercises aimed at boosting integrated maritime operations and combat readiness, the Navy said. “These exercises demonstrate our collective combat-credible capabilities while safeguarding our shared interests and values,” said Rear Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander of Carrier Strike Group 3 (CSG 3), said in a Navy news release. CSG 3 includes the USS Abraham Lincoln and the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay plus the guided-missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald, USS Gridley, USS Sampson, and USS Spruance. Source: Navy Times, April 19, 2022
April 15, 2022: PLA Eastern Theater Command spokesman Shi Yilu said China had sent frigates, bombers, and fighter planes to the East China Sea and the area around Taiwan on April 15 to coincide with a visit to the island by six U.S. lawmakers, including Sen. Robert Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. “This operation is in response to the recent frequent release of wrong signals by the United States on the Taiwan issue,” Shi said. “The U.S. bad actions and tricks are completely futile and very dangerous. Those who play with fire will burn themselves,” he said. The six lawmakers met with Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen and expressed strong support for the island’s self-defense. Senator Lindsey Graham told Tsai during the delegation’s meeting, “We will stand with you. To abandon Taiwan will be to abandon democracy and freedom.” Source: CNBC, April 15, 2022
March 28-29, 2022: The PLA Navy (PLAN) conducted live-fire combat exercises in the East China Sea, state broadcaster CCTV reported on March 30. The PLAN force included the Type 052D destroyer Zibo and Type 054A frigate Yang Zhou. The exercises included underwater reconnaissance, air defense, and ship-to-ship strikes, CCTV said. Source EurAsian Times, April 2, 2022
March 17, 2022: The guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson conducted a transit through the Taiwan Strait on this date, a move condemned by Chinese authorities as a "provocative" act by the United States that sent the wrong signals to pro-Taiwan independence forces. According to some press reports, the Ralph Johnson shadowed the Chinese carrier Shandong as it also passed through the Strait. Source: Reuters, March 18, 2022
March 14, 15, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense reported that 13 Chinese warplanes – seven Chengdu J-10 fighter jets, five Shenyang J-16 fighters, and one Shaanxi Y-8 electronic warfare plane – flew into the southwest corner of Taiwan’s air-defense zone on March 14. In response, Taiwan scrambled aircraft, issued radio warnings, and deployed air defense missile systems. The Ministry reported another Chinese incursion into the ADIZ on March 15, this time involving two Chengdu J-10 fighter jets and one Kamov Ka-28 anti-submarine helicopter. Source: Taiwan News, March 16, 2022, Taiwan News, March 15, 2022
March 7, 8, 2022: The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense reported that five Chinese warplanes – four Shenyang J-16 fighter jets and one Shaanxi Y-8 electronic warfare plane – flew into the southwest corner of Taiwan’s air-defense zone on March 8. In response, Taiwan sent aircraft and deployed air defense missile systems to track the PLAAF planes. The Ministry also reported that two Shenyang J-16s penetrated Taiwan’s ADIZ on March 7. Source: Taiwan News, March 9, 2022
Feb. 26, 2022: The U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet said the guided-missile destroyer USS Ralph Johnson conducted a "routine" transit through the Taiwan Strait on February 26. "The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the United States' commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," 7th Fleet spokesperson Nicholas Lingo said in a statement. The Eastern Theatre Command of China's People's Liberation Army monitored the passage, which a spokesperson in a statement called a "provocative act." Source: Reuters, Feb. 26, 2022
Feb. 26, 2022: Taiwan's Defense Ministry said that eight Chinese warplanes – six jet fighters and two anti-submarine aircraft – flew into its ADIZ on February 26, flying to the northeast of the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands at the top end of the South China Sea. Source: Reuters, Feb. 26, 2022
Feb. 24, 2022: Taiwan's Ministry of Defense said that nine Chinese aircraft – eight J-16 fighters and one Y-8 reconnaissance aircraft – flew into its ADIZ on February 24, the day Russia commenced its invasion of Ukraine. The Chinese aircraft reportedly flew to the northeast of the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands at the top end of the South China Sea, prompting the Taiwanese to scramble aircraft and deploy air-defense missile systems. Source: CNBC, Feb. 25, 2022
Jan. 24, 2022: The Taiwanese defense ministry reported that 13 Chinese warplanes – 10 J-16 fighter jets, two H-6 bombers, and a Y-8 anti-submarine warfare plane – flew into its air-defense identification zone on this date. Source: SCMP, 1-24-22
Jan. 23, 2022: Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that 39 Chinese warplanes had entered its air-defense identification zone on this date, causing it to scramble its own jets to warn off the intruding Chinese aircraft. According to the ministry, the Chinese force included 10 J-10 and 24 J-16 fighters plus four electronic warfare aircraft and one bomber. These planes flew in an area to the northeast of the Taiwanese-controlled Pratas island, according to a map the ministry provided. Some analysts viewed the incursion as a response to the U.S.-Japan naval exercise just undertaken in waters off Okinawa. “As soon as the United States and Japan wrapped up their joint drill near Okinawa, there came the sorties. Very likely the Chinese communists meant it for a show of firepower to the United States and Japan,” said Lin Ying-yu, a research fellow at the Association of Strategic Foresight, a Taipei think tank. Source: SCMP, Jan. 24, 2022
Jan. 23, 2022: The U.S. Navy deployed two carrier battle groups into the South China Sea for combined combat maneuvers: Carrier Strike Group 1 (CSG1), led by the USS Abraham Lincoln; and CSG3, led by the USS Carl Vinson. The Vinson was accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain and the guided-missile destroyers USS Stockdale and USS Chafee; the Lincoln was accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay and the guided-missile destroyers USS Fitzgerald, USS Gridley, USS Sampson, and USS Spruance. According to the Navy, the vessels were to engage in “anti-submarine warfare operations, air warfare operations, replenishments-at-sea, cross-deck flight operations, and maritime interdiction operations.” “Operations like these allow us to improve our combat credible capability, reassure our allies and partners, and demonstrate our resolve as a Navy to ensure regional stability and counter malign influence,” said Rear Adm. J.T. Anderson, commander or CSG3. Source: DVIDS, Jan. 24, 2022
Jan. 22, 2022: On this date the guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey conducted a transit of the Taiwan Strait, the first such operation of 2022. Source: Stars&Stripes, Feb. 26, 2022
Jan. 20, 2022: On this date the U.S. guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold conducted a freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) in the South China Sea, in close proximity to the Chinese-claimed Paracel Islands. This was the first FONOP of 2022. In response to the Benfold’s passage, China’s Southern Theater Command stated that its naval forces tracked and later warned the Benfold away from the Paracels. "We solemnly demand that the U.S. side immediately stop such provocative actions, otherwise it will bear the serious consequences of unforeseen events," the command said in a statement. Source: S&S, Jan. 20, 2022
Jan. 17, 2022: The U.S. and Japanese navies conducted five days of joint maneuvers in areas of the Philippine Sea off Okinawa. Participating in the exercises were two U.S. carriers, the USS Carl Vinson and the USS Abraham Lincoln; two guided-missile cruisers, the USS Mobile Bay and the USS Lake Champlain; three guided-missile destroyers, the USS Spruance, USS Chafee, and USS Gridley; two amphibious assault ships, the USS America and USS Essex; plus the Japanese destroyer JS Hyuga. Source: USNI, Jan. 23, 2022
Jan. 11, 2022: The U.S. Navy deployed its Carrier Strike Group One (CSG1) and an amphibious ready group (ARG) into the South China Sea for combined military maneuvers running through Jan. 16. The carrier group, headed by the USS Carl Vinson, was accompanied by an escort fleet comprised by the Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain and Destroyer Squadron 1, consisting of three Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers, USS Michael Murphy, USS O’Kane, and USS Chafee. The amphibious ready group included the USS Essex helicopter landing dock and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Pearl Harbor. Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit also took part in the exercises. According to the Navy, the two groups trained in “integrated maritime strike missions, maritime interdiction operations, anti-submarine warfare, replenishment-at-sea and formation maneuvering/navigation operations.” “Our ability to quickly and effectively integrate with an amphibious ready group…demonstrates a diverse level of naval lethality that is unlike any other naval force,” said Rear Adm. Dan Martin, commander, of CSG1. “The long-range strike capability of the Vinson Strike Group combined with the Essex ARG’s potential to deliver a payload of Marines to any maritime region greatly contributes to the U.S. strategic ability to continue defending a free and open Indo-Pacific.” Source: US Navy, CSG-1, Jan. 16, 2022
Jan. 10, 2022: Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that nine Chinese military aircraft – eight J-16 fighter jets and one Shaanxi Y-8 electronic intelligence plane – entered its air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on this date, prompting the Taiwanese military to scramble its own jet aircraft and to place its missile defense on high alert. Source: Taiwan News, Jan. 11, 2022
Jan. 5, 2022: Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that seven Chinese military aircraft –five J-16 fighter jets, one Y-8 electronic warfare plane, and one Y-8 anti-submarine warfare airplane – entered its ADIZ on this date, prompting the Taiwanese military to scramble its own jet aircraft and to place its missile defense on high alert. Source: Taiwan News, Jan. 5, 2022
* * * * * 2021 * * * * *
Nov. 28, 2021: Taiwan’s defense ministry said that 27 Chinese aircraft had penetrated its air-defense identification zone, prompting it to scramble its fighter jets to warn off the intruding Chinese aircraft. This incursion, the ministry said, included 18 jet fighters plus five nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, as well as, unusually, a Y-20 aerial refueling aircraft. The bombers and six of the fighters flew to the south of Taiwan into the Bashi Channel which separates the island from the Philippines, then out into the Pacific before heading back to China, according to a map the ministry provided. Source: Reuters, Nov. 28, 2021
Nov. 22/23, 2021: The guided missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG-69) undertook a transit of the Taiwan Strait on Nov. 22, concluding it on Nov. 23. “The ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said a U.S. Navy spokesperson, Lt. Nicholas Lingo. “The United States military flies, sails, and operates anywhere international law allows.” This was the 11th such transit conducted by the U.S. Navy since Jan. 1, 2021, according to our tally. Source: USNI, Nov. 23, 2021
Nov. 15-16, 2021: The U.S. Navy and the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) conducted their first joint anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise in the South China Sea. Participating in the exercise were the guided-missile destroyer USS Milius (DDG-69) along with the JMSDF’s helicopter carrier JS Kaga and destroyer JS Murasame. Additionally, the exercise included an unidentified Japanese submarine, a U.S. Navy P-8A Poseidon ASW aircraft, and a JMSDF P-1 maritime patrol aircraft. Source: NavyTimes, Nov. 19, 2021
Nov. 9, 2021: The Taiwanese defense ministry reported that six Chinese warplanes – four J-16 fighter planes and two airborne surveillance aircraft – had entered its ADIZ on Nov. 9. The intrusion occurred as Taiwanese news services reported the appearance of a U.S. Congressional delegation in Taipei, further straining relations between Washington and Beijing. Source: Reuters, Nov. 9, 2021
Nov. 6, 2021: Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported that 16 Chinese fighter jets had entered its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Nov. 6, one of the largest number to penetrate its ADIZ since early October, when the People's Liberation Army (PLA) sent some 150 warplanes into the zone over a four-day period. The ministry said it issued radio warnings and monitored the aircraft using air defense systems. The jets reportedly entered the ADIZ off Taiwan’s southwestern coast, following a path similar to previous incursions. Source: DW, Nov. 7, 2021
Oct. 31, 2021: The Taiwanese defense ministry reported that eight Chinese warplanes – six J-16 fighters, one anti-submarine aircraft, and one airborne surveillance aircraft – had entered its ADIZ on Oct. 31, prompting the Taiwanese air force to scramble its jets. Source: Reuters, Oct. 31, 2021
Oct. 25-28, 2021: The U.S. Navy’s carrier strike group 1, composed of the carrier USS Carl Vinson, the guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain and USS Shiloh and the guided-missile destroyer USS Stockdale joined with the Japanese helicopter carrier JS Kaga in joint combat exercises in the South China Sea. The combined forces engaged in “flight operations, coordinated tactical training between surface and air units, and maritime strike exercises, the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet said in a statement on Oct. 25. “The Indo-Pacific is a dynamic region and by continuing to conduct routine operations with our allies and partners throughout international waters and airspace, we demonstrate our unwavering commitment to upholding international law, on the sea and in the air,” said Rear Admiral Daniel Martin, commander of the Carl Vinson strike group. Source: U.S. Navy, 7th Fleet, 10-25-2021
Oct. 18-23, 2021: Following joint maneuvers off Russia’s Far East, a combined flotilla of five Chinese and five Russian warships passed eastward through the narrow Tsugaru Strait, which separates the Japanese islands of Honshu and Hokkaido, on Oct. 18. The combined battle group then conducted joint anti-submarine warfare exercises in Pacific waters east of Japan in a move widely considered a warning to Tokyo for its growing cooperation with the U.S. in countering China in the region. On Oct. 23, the combined force passed through the Osumi Strait into the East China Sea, and then dispersed to their respective bases. Sources: SCMP, 10-19-21; USNI, 10-25-21,
Oct. 14-15, 2021: The guided-missile destroyer USS Dewey transited the Taiwan Strait in a freedom of navigation operation over the night of Oct. 14-15, the U.S. Navy reported. It was accompanied by a Canadian warship, the frigate HMCS Winnipeg. “Dewey's and Winnipeg's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the commitment of the United States and our allies and partners to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said U.S. Navy spokeswoman Hayley Sims. A Chinese official indicated that China “sent naval and air forces to track and monitor the two warships in the whole course.” Senior Col. Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command, added, “the U.S. and Canada made provocations [of an] odious nature and stirred up troubles in cahoots, which seriously jeopardized the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.” Source: Stars&Stripes, Oct. 18, 2021
Oct. 4, 2021: China’s air force, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), sent an unprecedented total of 52 warplanes into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIF) on Oct. 4 – the fourth day in a row in which the PLAAF deployed large numbers of its combat planes into the area. According to the Taiwanese defense ministry, the PLAAF formation was comprised of 34 J-16 and 2 Su-30 fighters, 2 Y-8 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) planes, 2 KJ-500 airborne early warning (AEW) planes, and 12 H-6 bombers. Source: Breaking Defense, Oct. 4, 2021
Oct. 3, 2021: China’s air force, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), sent 16 warplanes into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIF) on Oct. 3 – the third day in a row in which the PLAAF conducted such incursions. The unusual activity prompted the U.S. State Department to issue a sharp rebuke to China. “The United States is very concerned by the People’s Republic of China’s provocative military activity near Taiwan, which is destabilizing, risks miscalculations, and undermines regional peace and stability,” Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Oct. 3. “We urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan.” Source: Breaking Defense, Oct. 4, 2021
Oct. 2-3: Two U.S. aircraft carriers and their escort vessels joined with a British aircraft carrier and Japanese helicopter carrier and a dozen other warship in combined military drills in Pacific waters southeast of Okinawa, Japan over the Oct. 2-3 weekend – coinciding with Chinese air patrols over neighboring waters. Participating in the joint combat operations were the carriers USS Ronald Reagan, USS Carl Vinson, and HMS Queen Elizabeth, along with the helicopter carrier JS Ise. Other participating vessels on the U.S. side included the guided-missile cruisers USS Shiloh and USS Lake Champlain, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Chafee. Accompanying the Queen Elizabeth were the destroyer HMS Defender and frigate HMS Kent. Also present were frigates from Canada, New Zealand, and the Netherlands. Source: USNI, Oct. 4, 2021
Oct. 2, 2021: China’s air force, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), sent 39 warplanes into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIF) on Oct. 2 – the second day in a row in which the PLAAF conducted such incursions. According to the Taiwanese defense ministry, the PLAAF incursions came in two waves: a daytime formation comprised of 18 fighters and 2 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft, and a nighttime formation of 19 aircraft. Source: NBC News, Oct. 3, 2021
Oct. 2, 2021: A U.S. nuclear-propelled attack submarine, the USS Connecticut (SSN-22), struck an unknown object while operating submerged in the South China Sea on the afternoon of Oct. 2, causing significant damage to the vessel and numerous (but not life-threatening) injuries to the crew. The Connecticut was deployed to the western Pacific on May 27 and reportedly had been operating there until the Oct. 2 collision. This incident confirmed what has long been suspected – that U.S. submarines are operating in the South China Sea on a regular basis. On Oct. 7, the Navy issued a terse statement about the event, saying “USS Connecticut’s nuclear propulsion plant and spaces were not affected and remain fully operational. The extent of damage to the remainder of the submarine is being assessed.” This lack of detail prompted an outcry from the Chinese government. “This irresponsible and covert approach lacks transparency, and can easily lead to misunderstanding and misjudgment. China and the neighboring countries in the South China Sea have to question the truth of the incident and the intentions of the United States,” said Defense Ministry spokesman Tan Kefei on Oct. 19. Sources: U.S. Navy, Oct. 7, 2021; USNI, Oct. 7, 2021; SCMP, Oct. 20, 2021
Oct. 1, 2021: China’s air force, the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), sent 38 warplanes into Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIF) on Oct. 1, the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. According to the Taiwanese defense ministry, the PLAAF aircraft came in two waves: the first consisting of 18 J-16 and four Su-30 fighter jets plus two nuclear-capable H-6 bombers and an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft; the second of 10 J-16s, 2 H-6s and an early warning aircraft. “China has been wantonly engaged in military aggression, damaging regional peace,” Taiwanese Premier Su Tseng-chang told reporters on Oct. 2. Source: NBC News, Oct. 2, 2021
Sept. 24-30: The Ronald Reagan Carrier Strike Group (CSG-5), consisting of the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh, and the guided-missile cruiser USS Halsey conducted military drills in the South China Sea. The strike group “is forward-deployed to the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region,” the Navy said in a Sept. 24 press release. While in the South China Sea area, it added, “the strike group will conduct fixed and rotary-wing flight operations, maritime strike exercises, anti-submarine operations, and coordinated tactical training.” Source: U.S. Navy, Sept. 24, 2021
Sept. 23, 2021: China sent a total of 24 military aircraft toward Taiwan on Sept. 23 in a military show-of-force. The aircraft were sent in two waves, with 14 planes sent in the morning and five in the afternoon. The morning wave consisted of 12 J-16 and two J-11 fighter planes, along with 6 bombers and an anti-submarine aircraft; the afternoon wave consisted of 2 J-16 and 2 J-11 fighters and an early warning aircraft. Taiwan deployed air patrol forces in response to the Chinese jets and tracked them on its air defense systems, the island’s Defense Ministry said in a statement. Source: AP, Sept. 23, 2021
Sept. 17: The guided-missile destroyer USS Barry transited the Taiwan Strait in a “freedom of navigation” operation on Oct. 17, the U.S. Navy reported, making this the ninth such transit since the start of 2021. Source: Stars&Stripes, Sept. 18, 2021
Sept. 8, 2021: The guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG-65) sailed near the Chinese-claimed Mischief Reef in the South China Sea on Sept. 8, prompting fierce condemnation from Chinese officials and claims that the ship was escorted out of the area by Chinese air and naval forces. This was the first time a U.S. naval vessel entered Chinese-claimed waters since Beijing announced a new law requiring foreign military vessels to notify Chinese authorities when entering those waters. “The actions of the US side seriously violated China’s sovereignty and security, which is further solid evidence of its aggressive navigation hegemony and militarization of the South China Sea,” said Senior Colonel Tian Junli, a spokesman for the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Southern Theatre Command. The PLA “organized air and naval forces to track, monitor and expel the vessel,” he added. “The PRC’s statement about this mission is false,” the U.S. 7th Fleet said in a statement. “USS Benfold conducted this FONOP in accordance with international law and then continued on to conduct normal operations in international waters…. The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, as USS Benfold did here. Nothing PRC says otherwise will deter us,” the statement noted. Sources: SCMP, 9-8-21; USNI, 9-8-21
August 27, 2021: The guided-missile destroyer USS Kidd (DDG-100), accompanied by the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Munro, conducted a transit of the Taiwan Strait on Aug. 27, 2021, the eighth such transit performed by U.S. warships since Jan. 1, 2021. A spokesperson for the Chinese defense ministry, Tan Kefei, called the move “provocative,” saying "The U.S. has frequently carried out similar provocative acts, which are of a very bad nature, fully showing that it is the biggest destroyer of peace and stability and the biggest cause of security risks in the Taiwan Strait. We firmly oppose and strongly condemn this.” Source: Reuters, Aug. 27, 2021
August 17, 2021: Eleven combat aircraft from the PLA Air Force – six fighter jets, two bombers and three surveillance aircraft – entered Taiwan’s Air Defense Identification Zone on August 17, shortly before the Taiwanese air force was about to conduct flight exercises in the same area. The Taiwanese air force responded by scrambling jets to shadow the PLA warplanes, issuing radio warnings and deploying air defence missile systems to monitor their activity, the island’s defence ministry said. Source: SCMP, Aug. 18, 2021,
August 17, 2021: The U.S. Navy conducted a surveillance mission near Taiwan’s southwest Air Defense Identification Zone involving an EP-3E spy plane and P-8A anti-submarine aircraft. The mission occurred while China was conducted air and naval maneuvers of its own in the area. Source: SCMP, Aug. 18, 2021,
August 17, 2021: China sent (unspecified) anti-submarine aircraft, fighter jets, and warships to the southwest and southeast of Taiwan to test the joint operations capabilities of the forces, said Col. Shi Yi, a spokesman for the Chinese military’s Eastern Theatre Command. “Recently, the United States and Taiwan have repeatedly provoked and sent serious wrong signals, severely infringed upon China’s sovereignty and severely undermined the peace and stability of the Taiwan Strait, Shi said in a statement. “This exercise is a necessary action based on the current security situation across the Taiwan Strait and the need to safeguard national sovereignty.” Source: SCMP, Aug. 17, 2021,
July 28, 2021: The guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG-65) conducted a transit of the Taiwan Strait on July 28, 2021, the seventh such transit performed by a U.S. warship since Jan. 1, 2021. “The ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The United States military flies, sails, and operates anywhere international law allows,” the U.S. 7th Fleet said in a news release. Source: USNI, 7-29-21
July 15, 2021: Approximately 25 F-22 “Raptor” stealth fighters and 10 F-15E Strike Eagle fighters have been deployed to bases in the western Pacific for “Operation Pacific Iron 2021,” a major air combat exercise being conducted by the Pacific Air Forces, the air component of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command. The Raptors, the world’s most advanced combat jets, will fly out of bases in Guam and the Tinian islands during the exercise. With only about 100 Raptors operable at any given time, this represents approximately one-fourth of the active F-22 fleet. The aim of the exercise, according to analysts, is to demonstrate that the U.S. can mobilize a powerful offensive force on very short notice and deploy it at multiple points on China’s periphery. Source: CNN, 7-16-2021
July 12, 2021: The guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold (DDG-65) conducted a “Freedom of Navigation” operation (FONOP) near the Chinese-claimed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, provoking a strong reaction from China. According to the PLA’s Southern Theater Command, Chinese forces “drove away” the U.S. warship from Chinese-claimed territory. “We urge the United States to immediately stop such provocative actions,” the PLA statement declared. The U.S. Navy subsequently denied that the Benfold had been pressured by Chinese forces. “[China’s] statement about this mission is false. USS Benfold conducted this FONOP in accordance with international law and then continued on to conduct normal operations in international waters,” U.S. 7th Fleet said in a news release. “The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, as USS Benfold did here. Nothing [the People’s Republic of China] says otherwise will deter us.” Sources: Reuters, July 12, 2021; USNI, July 12, 2021
June 17, 2021: Seven Chinese air force warplanes – two newer-model J-16 fighter jets, four old model J-7 fighters, and one Y-8 electric warfare aircraft – reportedly flew into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone on June 17. Observers said the latest fly-by was aimed at testing interoperability of its two generations of planes and to test their ability to counter electronic interference. In a statement, Taiwan’s defence ministry said the planes had prompted the island’s air force “to scramble jets, issue radio warnings and deploy air defence missile systems to monitor the activities of the planes.” Source: SCMP, June 18, 2021
June 15, 2021: The Taiwanese Ministry of National Defense said 28 People’s Liberation Army aircraft entered Taiwan’s air defense identification zone from the southwest on Tuesday – the largest number to do so in a single day. The aircraft included 14 Shenyang J-16 multirole strike aircraft and six J-11 interceptors, along with four Xi’an H-6 bombers; the remainder were comprised of electronic warfare, anti-submarine, and airborne early warning aircraft. About three of these groups flew to the Western Pacific via the Bashi Channel, south of Taiwan, before turning back. The flybys happened on the same day the U.S. Navy said a carrier group, led by the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, entered the South China Sea via the Bashi Channel. Citing a spokesman from the carrier group, Reuters reported the Navy did not have any interactions with the Chinese aircraft. Source: DefenseNews, June 16, 2021
June 14, 2021: The carrier battle group headed by the USS Ronald Reagan entered the South China Sea on June 14 for a series of combat drills, the Navy reported. "While in the South China Sea, the strike group is conducting maritime security operations, which include flight operations with fixed and rotary wing aircraft, maritime strike exercises, and coordinated tactical training between surface and air units," the U.S. Navy said. The Ronald Reagan was accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh, and the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey. Source: Reuters, June 15, 2021
June 11, 2021: The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet said the guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur and the Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Ballarat concluded a week of joint operations in the South China Sea. Those included maneuvering drills along with resupplying vessels, cross-deck helicopter operations and live-fire gunnery exercises. “The ships honed their advanced mariner skills in a joint environment while enforcing the normalcy of routine operations throughout the region in accordance with international law,” the Navy said. At a daily briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said the two countries should “do things that are conducive to regional peace and stability, instead of flexing their muscles.” Source: AP via MilitaryTimes, June 11, 2021
May 20, 2021: The US Navy’s Seventh Fleet said the guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur had conducted freedom of navigation operations in the vicinity of the Paracel Islands, which are claimed by China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. “By conducting this operation, the United States demonstrated that these waters are beyond what China can lawfully claim as its territorial sea, and that China’s claimed straight baselines around the Paracel Islands are inconsistent with international law,” it said. China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy said the US had violated Chinese maritime sovereignty and it had expelled the vessel. “The US behavior violates international law and basic norms of international relations, increases regional security risks, and is prone to misunderstandings, misjudgments and accidents at sea,” a Southern Theatre Command spokesman said. “It is unprofessional and irresponsible.” Source: SCMP, May 20, 2021
May 18, 2021: China protests latest passage of US Navy ship through Taiwan Strait: The Chinese Defense Ministry criticized the transit of the Taiwan Strait by the USS Curtis Wilbur as destabilizing and disruptive. In a statement on the Defense Ministry website, spokesperson for the Eastern Theater Command Col. Zhang Chunhui said the U.S. actions were “sending wrong signals to the ‘Taiwan independence’ forces, deliberately disrupting and sabotaging the regional situation and endangering peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.” He said Chinese forces tracked and monitored the ship and “strictly guarded against all threats and provocations.” The Curtis Wilbur transited the Taiwan Strait on May 18 on a freedom-of-navigation mission, the second time this year the vessel has conducted such an operation. Source: AP via NavyTimes, May 19, 2021
May 15, 2021: Contingents of U.S., French, and Japanese troops conducted military drills at a training area in southern Japan in an exercise dubbed “ARC21” and described as preparations for joint defense of a remote, contested island in the East China Sea. Japan claims sovereignty over a cluster of small, uninhabited islands in that sea it calls the Senkakus, islands which are also claimed by China. Without acknowledging the dispute over the island’s ownership, Vice Defense Minister Yasuhide Nakayama stated that the exercise represented “a valuable opportunity for the Japanese Self-Defense Force to maintain and strengthen its strategic capability necessary to defend our remote islands.” Referring to U.S. and French participation, he added, “Together we were able to show to the rest of the world our commitment to defending Japanese land, territorial seas and airspace.” Source: Marine Corps Times, May 16, 2021
April 26, 2021: A Chinese air Force (the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, or PLAAF) Y-9 tactical reconnaissance plane entered Taiwan's air-defense identification zone (ADIZ) on April 26, flying at a low altitude of 30 meters or 100 feet. The Taiwanese military responded by scrambling military aircraft and issuing radio warnings to dispel the spy plane. Shortly before the Y-9 incursion, a Y-8 electronic warfare plane also entered the same zone, only to be warned off by the Taiwanese air force. Source: SCMP, April 26, 2021
April 21, 2021: A U.S. Air Force RC-135W electronic reconnaissance aircraft and a U.S. Navy P-8A anti-submarine aircraft patrolled the South China Sea during live-fire exercises being conducted in the area China’s navy, the People’s Liberation Army Navy, or PLAN. Source: SCMP, 4-21-21
April 20, 2021: A U.S. Air Force RC-135W electronic reconnaissance aircraft flew to within 40 nautical miles of Qingdao, the headquarters of the Chinese navy’s North Sea Fleet, an unusually close approach to China’s mainland. Source: SCMP, 4-21-21
April 12, 2021: The Chinese air force (the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, or PLAAF) flew 25 warplanes into Taiwan’s air defence identification zone (ADIZ) on April 12, its largest incursion ever. According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, the PLAAF warplanes – 14 Jian-16 fighter jets, four Jian-10 fighters, four H-6K bombers, two Y-8 anti-submarine warfare planes, and one KJ-500 airborne early warning and control aircraft – entered the island’s southwest zone on Monday. “[Taiwan’s] air force sent its air patrol force to shadow them, issued radio warnings and deployed missiles to monitor their movements,” the ministry said in a statement. Source: SCMP, April 13, 2021
April 10, 2021: The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning and its support vessels entered the South China Sea after conducting naval exercises near Taiwan (see April 3). Exercises by the Chinese carrier “can establish wider maritime defensive positions, safeguard China’s coastal regions, and keep U.S. military activities in check,” said Chinese military expert Wei Dongxu in Global Times, a pro-government publication. Source: CNN, April 12, 2021
April 9, 2021: The U.S. Navy’s Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) with its three vessels, support planes, and the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit joined the Theodore Roosevelt Carrier Battle Group (see below, April 6) in the South China Sea for extensive combat maneuvers. The Makin Island ARG consists of the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island (LHD-8) and amphibious transport docks USS San Diego (LPD-22) and USS Somerset (LPD-25). “This expeditionary strike force fully demonstrates that we maintain a combat-credible force, capable of responding to any contingency, deter aggression, and provide regional security and stability in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific,” U.S. Navy Capt. Stewart Bateshansky, commodore, Amphibious Squadron 3, said in a statement. Source: CNN, April 12, 2021
April 7, 2021: A U.S. Air Force Air Force EP-3E spy plane conducted a two-hour surveillance flight in an area where the Taiwan Strait meets the South China Sea, prompting the Chinese air force (the People’s Liberation Army Air Force, or PLAAF) to scramble jet fighters to monitor the situation. Source: SCMP, April 11, 2021
April 7, 2021: The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain conducted a transit of the Taiwan Strait on April 7. This was the fourth such transit since President Biden assumed office in January and the fifth since the beginning of 2021. In a statement, Col. Zhang Chunhui, spokesman for China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command, said the action jeopardized stability in the region. “China is firmly opposed to it,” he said, noting that the PLA remains on high alert and ready to respond to threats. Source: UPI, April 7, 2021
April 6, 2021: The carrier battle group (CBG) spearheaded by the USS Theodore Roosevelt entered the South China Sea and prepared to conduct a series of military exercises there. In addition to the “TR,” the CBG consists of the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill and the guided-missile destroyer USS Russell. The strike group is slated to conduct fixed and rotary-wing flight operations, maritime strike exercises, anti-submarine operations, coordinated tactical training and other activities while deployed in the area. “It is great to be back in the South China Sea to reassure our allies and partners that we remain committed to freedom of the seas,” Rear Adm. Doug Verissimo, commander of Carrier Strike Group 9, said in a Navy press release. Source: UPI, April 6, 2021
April 3, 2021: A Chinese naval battle group consisting of the aircraft carrier Liaoning, one Renhai class stealth guided missile destroyer, two Luyang-III class guided missile destroyers, one Jiangkai-II multi-role frigate and one Fuyu class fast combat support ship was detected by Japanese defense forces passing through the waterway between Okinawa and Miyako Island and heading towards the Pacific. In response, the Japanese self-defense forces deployed Japan the destroyer JS Suzutsuki, a P-1 maritime patrol aircraft, and a P-3C anti-submarine warfare patrol aircraft to “gather information and monitor the movements of the Chinese vessels,” the joint staff said in a statement published on April 4. Source: SCMP, April 5, 2021
March 26, 2021: The Taiwanese Defense Ministry reported that some 20 Chinese combat aircraft, including four nuclear-capable H-6K bombers and ten J-16 fighter jets, intruded into its ADIZ on March 26 – the largest such intrusion ever detected by Taiwan. The Chinese aircraft reportedly flew on a path south of Taiwan and near Taiwan-controlled Pratas Island in the South China Sea. Source: Asahi, March 27, 2021
March 10, 2021: A U.S. guided-missile destroyer, the USS John Finn (DDG-113) conducted a transit through the Taiwan Strait on March 10 as part of a continuing U.S. effort to project power into this highly contested area. This was the third such transit since President Biden assumed office on Jan. 20. Reportedly, the John Finn had been escorting the carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt during exercises in the Celebes Sea but broke off from the carrier strike group to conduct the transit. In response, a Chinese military spokesperson, Senior Colonel Zhang Chunhui, said “Such [actions] serve not only to disrupt the regional situation but also endanger stability in the Taiwan Strait, which we resolutely oppose.” Sources: USNI, March 10, 2021, and SCMP, March 11, 2021
February 24, 2021: The U.S. guided-missile destroyer USS Curtis Wilbur transited the Taiwan Strait in a freedom-of-navigation operation. This was the second U.S. vessel to do so since President Biden took office on Jan. 20. “The ship's transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” said a Navy press release. Zhang Chunhui, a spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, said in a statement that China “firmly opposed” the transit, which the Chinese military surveilled. “The troops of the PLA Eastern Theater Command keep high alert all the time and are ready to respond to any threats and provocations,” he said. Source: USNI, Feb. 25, 2021
February 22, 2021: Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported that at least 10 nuclear-capable Chinese bombers took part in maritime strike exercises in the South China Sea. Participating aircraft included both the advanced H-6J bomber, which can carry up to six air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs), and the older H-6G, which can carry four. According to CCTV, the exercise involved mock attacks on U.S. warships of the type which participated in recent U.S. dual-carrier exercises in the area (see Feb. 9, 2021, below). Yue Gang, a retired PLA colonel, said the exercises aimed to counter recent U.S. naval operations. “This is to show that the Chinese military is capable of countering and closely following what the U.S. is doing, and that it is in control of the situation,” he said. Source: SCMP, Feb. 25, 2021
February 20, 2021: Taiwan's air force scrambled for a second straight day after a dozen Chinese fighter aircraft and bombers carried out drills close to Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands on the northern top of the South China Sea. After nine Chinese air force aircraft flew near the Pratas Islands on Friday, the Taiwanese Defence Ministry said it tracked 11 aircraft on Saturday – eight fighter jets, two nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, and an anti-submarine aircraft, also near the islands. It said Chinese naval forces were also involved but gave no details. Taiwan's air force warned the Chinese aircraft to leave and deployed missile systems to monitor the activity, the ministry said. Source: Reuters, via US News, Feb. 20, 2021.
February 17, 2021: A U.S. guided-missile destroyer, the USS Russell, conducted a freedom of navigation operation (FONOP) near Chinese-claimed islands in the South China Sea. The U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet said the Russell “asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the Spratly Islands, consistent with international law.” This was the second FONOP conducted by the Navy in these waters since President Biden assumed office in January. Source: Reuters, Feb. 17, 2021.
February 16, 2021: Japanese government officials reported that a Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessel armed with a cannon-like weapon entered Japanese-claimed waters surrounding the disputed Senkaku Islands (called Diaoyu by China) for the first time since China adopted a law empowering the CCG to employ “all necessary measures,” including the use of weapons, against foreign organizations or individuals that violate Chinese sovereignty or jurisdiction. The CCG vessels approached a Japanese fishing boat being guarded by Japanese Coast Guard patrol boats before leaving the area. (On the new law regarding the CCG, see Recent Developments in U.S.-China Military Competition.) Source: Reuters, via Japan Times, Feb. 16, 2021.
February 9, 2021: Aircraft carriers USS Nimitz and USS Theodore Roosevelt, along with their carrier strike groups, conducted dual carrier operations Tuesday in the South China Sea – marking the first time since July 2020 that the U.S. Navy has undertaken such operations those disputed waters. The Roosevelt’s carrier strike group includes the guided-missile cruiser USS Bunker Hill and the guided-missile destroyers USS Russell and John Finn; the Nimitz’s carrier strike group includes the guided-missile cruiser USS Princeton and the guided-missile destroyer USS Sterett. A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang Wenbin, said “the United States frequently sends ships and planes into the South China Sea to show off its force, which is not conducive to regional peace and stability.” Source: Navy Times, Feb. 9, 2021; SCMP, Feb. 9, 2021.
February 5, 2021: A U.S. guided-missile conducted a FONOP mission near the Chinese-controlled Paracel Islands in the disputed South China Sea, the U.S. Navy said, making this the first such mission under President Joe Biden’s new administration. The Navy’s 7th Fleet said the destroyer USS John S. McCain “asserted navigational rights and freedoms in the vicinity of the Paracel Islands, consistent with international law.” China’s military condemned the move, saying it had dispatched naval and air units to follow and warn away the ship. Source: Reuters, Feb. 5, 2021.
February 4, 2021: The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain sailed through the Taiwan Strait on a FONOP mission, the first in this area since Joe Biden became president. The ship's transit demonstrated the U.S. "commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific," the U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet said in a statement. Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told a media briefing that his country had been "closely" monitoring the warship. "China will continue to maintain a high level of alert at all times, respond to all threats and provocations at all times, and resolutely defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity," he said. Source: NBC News, Feb. 4, 2021.
January 31, 2021: The Taiwanese defense ministry reported that five Chinese military aircraft – a Y-8 reconnaissance plane, two J-10 fighter jets and two J-11 bombers – were detected in the island’s ADIZ near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea. They were followed hours later by two J-11 bombers in the same area, the ministry reported. The ministry also said that a U.S reconnaissance plane was in the same southwestern part of the ADIZ while the five PLA warplanes were there, without giving further details. Source: SCMP, Feb. 1, 2021.
January 24, 2021: Taiwanese officials reported a "large incursion" into its air-defense zone by Chinese warplanes for the second day running, after a major show of force on January 23. On this occasion, the Chinese incursion involved 12 fighters, two anti-submarine aircraft, and a reconnaissance plane, Taiwan’s defense ministry said. On both occasions, Taiwan's air force warned away the aircraft and deployed air defence missile systems to monitor the planes. Source: BBC News, Jan. 25, 2021.
January 23, 2021: A U.S. carrier strike group led by the USS Theodore Roosevelt entered the South China Sea for show-of-force operations intended to demonstrate America’s determination to ensure the “freedom of the seas,” the U.S. military announced. Source: NBC, Jan. 24, 2021
January 23, 2021: Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported that 8 Chinese nuclear-capable H-6K bombers and J-16 fighter jets entered the southwestern corner of Taiwan’s ADIZ and that Taiwan’s air force deployed air defense missile systems to “monitor” the incursion. China reportedly has conducted almost daily flights over the waters between the southern part of Taiwan and the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea in recent months, but these have usually been composed of one or two aircraft, so the Jan. 23 incursion was highly unusual. Source: Reuters, Jan. 23, 2021.
2020
December 31, 2020: Two U.S. Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers, the USS John S. McCain (DDG-56) and USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG-54) conducted a FONOP transit through the Taiwan Strait on Dec. 31 local time, or Dec. 30 in the continental United States. This concluded a year of increasing numbers of such missions in the Taiwan Strait. Source: USNI, Dec. 30, 2020.
December 24, 2020: The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG-56) conducted a FONOP voyage near Vietnam in the vicinity of the Con Dao Islands in the South China Sea. “The ship conducted normal operations within Vietnam’s claimed territorial seas to challenge excessive maritime claims and preserve access and navigational freedoms consistent with international law,” the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet announced. Source: USNI, Dec. 25, 2020
December 22, 2020: The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG-56) conducted a FONOP transit near the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, which Taiwan, China, and Vietnam have all staked a claim to. “Unlawful and sweeping maritime claims in the South China Sea pose a serious threat to the freedom of the seas, including the freedoms of navigation and overflight, free trade and unimpeded commerce, and freedom of economic opportunity for South China Sea littoral nations,” the Navy said. China’s Southern Theater Command claimed to have expelled the destroyer, but the US denied this. Sources: USNI, Dec. 22, 2020; S&S, Dec. 23, 2020
December 22, 2020: South Korea said it scrambled fighter jets in response to an intrusion into its ADIZ by 15 Russian and 4 Chinese military aircraft. Chinese authorities claimed the planes were engaged in a joint drill and did not intrude into Korean airspace. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the mission was part of annual cooperation plans between China and Russia and was “not aimed at any third party.” Source: Reuters, Dec. 22, 2020
December 20, 2020: An aircraft carrier group led by China’s newest carrier, the Shandong, sailed through the Taiwan Strait on its way to training exercises in the South China Sea, China’s navy said. The Shandong was accompanied by four other ships. “Taiwan's military monitored the Chinese ships during their transit, mobilizing six Navy ships and eight Air Force planes,” according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense. Source: Reuters, Dec. 20, 2020
December 19, 2020: The guided-missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG-89) conducted a FONOP transit of the Taiwan Strait. “The ship’s transit through the Taiwan Strait demonstrates the U.S. commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific,” the Navy said in a statement. Source: USNI, Dec. 21, 2020
December 16, 2020: Four Chinese warplanes (three Y-8 electronic warfare aircrafts and one Y-9) reportedly flew into Taiwan’s ADIZ. The Taiwanese air force scrambled interceptor jets to shadow the Chinese planes. Source: Newsweek, Dec. 17, 2020
December 8, 2020: A U.S. amphibious ready group consisting of the USS Makin Island (LHD-8) and USS Somerset (LPD-25) transited the South China Sea in a move that was not announced by the U.S. Navy. In response, three Chinese corvettes that were operating in the area, the Enshi, Yongzhou, and Guangyuan, reportedly conducted an “unscripted” live-fire combat training exercise, a People’s Liberation Army news site reported. U.S. Navy officials stated, however, that the Chinese drills occurred hundreds of miles from the U.S. ships and were planned beforehand. Source: USNI, Dec. 9, 2020
Abbreviations:
ADIZ = air-defense identification zone
DW = Deutsche Welle
FONOP = freedom-of-navigation operation
SCMP = South China Morning Post
USNI = U.S. Naval Institute