Nineteen Chinese aircraft have entered Taiwan's airspace - ramping up tensions in the region in the wake of the AUKUS submarine pact. China frequently flies such missions, but they have taken on new significance in the wake of the AUKUS deal. Meanwhile the bombers, electronic warfare aircraft and anti-submarine planes completed a circuit around the southern tip of Taiwan before turning back. China has flown aircraft into Taiwan's defence zone every day this month with the exception of September 2, defence ministry data shows. Taiwan's defence spending 'is based on safeguarding national sovereignty, national security, and national security.

Source: The Nation September 23, 2021 18:56 UTC