Posted on 11/10/2004 11:32:04 PM PST by sukhoi-30mki
Taiwan leader's plane targeted by Chinese fighter jets: report
TAIPEI (AFP) Nov 11, 2004
Fighter jets from China locked on to a plane carrying Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian during a trip over the Taiwan Strait, it was reported here Tuesday. Chen's Air Force One official plane had been heading for Penghu, an island group in the strait, when it was targeted by the warplanes from China, the United Daily News said, quoting unidentified Chinese defense sources.
Vice President Annette Lu's plane was also targeted by Chinese fighter jets when she was flying to Penghu on October 2, the paper said.
The report came one day after Chen called for the establishment of a "buffer zone" in the strait where military aircraft and vessels from both sides must not enter without advance notice to avoid unexpected clashes.
The Air Force One with Chen onboard arrived in Penghu 15 minutes behind schedule on September 27 as 28 Chinese fighter jets were hovering over the strait, the paper said.
The gesture had been was meant to demonstrate Beijing's capability to defend its "sovereignty" over Taiwan, not to initiate any attacks, it quoted the mainland sources as saying.
A number of Taiwan's air force jets were scrambled after some of the rival warplanes had passed the hypothetical middle line of the strait, the 150-kilometer (95-mile) wide waterway separating the two rivals, it added.
Taiwan's defense authorities declined to comment on the report.
Tensions between the two sides have been rising since the re-election of the independence-leaning Chen, with Beijing renewing its long-standing vow to take the island by force should it declare formal independence.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory awaiting to be reunified despite their split in 1949 after a civil war.
All rights reserved. © 2004 Agence France
My fear is Red Chinese with SU-37s.
Ping
Is the whole freakin' world going nuts?
France is spilling blood for chocolate.
French medicine can't figure out if a guy is dead or not.
China threatens Taiwan's leader overtly.
The Palestinians are pissed about a dead terrorist.
Jimmy Carter wants to honor a dead terrorist.
Ain't life grand?
If true, extremely provacative.
A proverb for the Chinese from America.
China is like the smiling child torturing the local kitten.
But, unlike the child, who grows up and feels sorrow for the actions, the Chinese are more like the impetuous teen gaming fanatic...playing, playing, playing...until they are dead.
One day much like that faced for the Soviet Union, the Chinese game will end.
Don't forget about the alleged Chinese sub in Japanese waters earlier this week.
I believe this, but keep in mind the United Daily News is the NY Times or LA Times equivalent and Chen is the Bush equivalent.
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