A Far-Flung Taiwan Island Risks Triggering a U.S.-China Clash
- Chinese warplanes are buzzing Pratas Island regularly
- Beijing’s actions come as U.S. ramped up support for Taipei
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When 28 Chinese warplanes streaked through the skies around Taiwan on Tuesday -- the largest such incursion this year -- they followed a pattern that has generated alarm among U.S. and Taiwanese military planners.
Some of the People’s Liberation Army planes, including bombers, fighter jets and surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, flew east from the Chinese coast around the southern tip of Taiwan. The rest broke off and briefly darted further south toward tiny Pratas Island in the South China Sea before turning back.