27 Chinese Enter Taiwan's Air Space, President Xi Sends Forces To Surround Island

27 Chinese warplanes enter Taiwan's air defence as Taipei says it 'won't shy away from a fight': President Xi sends forces to surround island 'as part of his plan to secure his unification legacy'

Chris Pleasance for MailOnline

Dozens of Chinese warplanes entered Taiwan's air defence zone today, shortly after Nancy Pelosi flew out of the country following a diplomatic visit that infuriated Beijing and drew threats of military retaliation.

In total, 27 fighters including 16 Russian-made Su-30 jets crossed into the zone, which prompted defensive measures from Taipei. The incursion comes amidst huge Chinese war games taking place until Sunday, which will surround the island in an effective blockade and cross into Taiwan's territorial waters.

But Taipei's generals have defied the threats, saying today that they are not looking for a fight with China but 'won't shy away from one' either. 'We are resolved to uphold our sovereignty, liberty and democracy' they said in a statement posted alongside a video of fighter jets, submarines, attack helicopters and warships on manoeuvres.

'We fear no threat or challenges. We are not eager for a fight, nor will we shy away from one. We have the capacity and the will to uphold our valued liberty and democracy, and maintain our region's stability,' the generals added.

Meanwhile, the G7 condemned the military drills announced by China around the island, saying in a statement: 'There is no justification to use a visit as pretext for aggressive military activity in the Taiwan Strait.'

Xi Jinping has reacted furiously to Pelosi's visit - the most-senior US politician to go to Taiwan in the last 25 years - which comes weeks before he is due to assume an historic third term as China's leader at the Party Congress.

 'Xi is already using the whole gamut of coercive state powers- including hostile military activity, to try to erode Taiwanese resolve and that of Taiwan's supporters.

'Xi could bring down the Taiwanese government by blockading the island which depends heavily on imported food and other staples. But confidence and resilience is growing, and Xi will not welcome this. 

'We should not rule out the possibility of sudden, devastating missile attacks on the central government that would bring a rapid collapse of resistance. Then the rest of the world could protest and sanction to no avail.

'Xi could, if he felt compelled to do so by threats to his personal authority, authorise such an assault at very little notice indeed. He may be counting in this as an element in his current campaign of bluff and coercive pressures on a global front.

More....