PLA scrambles record 71 warplanes near Taiwan in response to increased US military aid

The Eastern Theatre Command of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) carried out joint combat readiness and firepower strike drills around Taiwan on December 25, 2022. The self-ruled island’s defence ministry said that a total of 71 warplanes and seven warships were detected in the 24 hours until 6am on December 26. The drills came days after US President Joe Biden signed a defence bill promising closer security ties with Taiwan. Beijing regards Taiwan as a breakaway territory to be reunited by force if necessary. Most countries, including the US, do not consider Taiwan a sovereign independent state. But many oppose possible attempts to take the island by force.