2 US Navy F-18 fighters land in Taiwan, anger China
Two US fighter jets have landed in Taiwan after one of the jets reportedly experienced mechanical problems, triggering an angry reaction from China.
The two US Navy F-18 fighters made a rare landing at an airport in southern Taiwan on Wednesday, according to Taiwan's Central News Agency.
Taiwan's military and aviation authorities gave no explanation on why the US fighters were flying so close to the island or what mission they were carrying out.
China's Foreign Ministry expressed anger on Thursday following the landings.
"We have already made solemn representations to the US side," China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman, Hua Chunying, said during a regular news briefing.
"China demands that the United States strictly abide by the 'one-China policy' ... and cautiously and appropriately handle this incident."
Taiwan split from China in 1949 after a civil war, but Beijing says it expects a reunion even by force.
The United States says it will defend Taiwan if China attempts to reunite with the island by force, under the Taiwan Relations Act of 1979, when Washington severed formal ties with the Taipei in order to recognize Beijing.
China accuses Washington of meddling in the regional issues and deliberately stirring up tensions in the South China Sea.
Washington’s stance has sparked a decades-long military stand-off between China and the US.
Relations between China and Taiwan have got back on track since Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou came to power in 2008.
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