Chinese Jets Stage Mock Attack on British Warship in Taiwan Strait
Tensions in the Taiwan Strait escalated recently as Chinese fighter jets staged a mock attack on a British warship, HMS Richmond, part of the UK's carrier strike group. The incident occurred while the ship was sailing alongside the US destroyer USS Higgins, drawing strong reactions from Beijing and London.
China views the Taiwan Strait as its own territorial waters, but other nations, including Britain and America, consider much of the strait to be international waters. The Chinese military spokesperson labelled the Anglo-American voyage a 'harassment and provocation'.
On September 26, 2021, Chinese jets performed a 'simulated kill' against HMS Richmond, with British officers reporting that the forces were 'pretending to kill us'. This virtual attack exercise served multiple purposes: to demonstrate China's military capabilities, assert its territorial claims in the South China Sea, and send a clear message to the passing ships.
The British forces, however, saw the incident as an opportunity to learn more about Chinese military tactics, deeming the encounter 'mutually beneficial'. HMS Richmond, part of the UK's carrier strike group, was joined by the US destroyer USS Higgins during the transit.
The Chinese jets' actions reflect growing concerns about an invasion and annexation of neighbouring Taiwan, with Xi Jinping's war posturing adding to regional tensions. Despite the Chinese military's assertions, the UK and other nations maintain that much of the Taiwan Strait is international waters, and they will continue to exercise their right of free passage.
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