Updated: September 4, 2020 9:40:47 pm
(Representative image)
Reports circulated on social media platforms on Friday afternoon that Taiwan had shot down a Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jet belonging to the China People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). Hours later, the Taiwanese Defense Ministry issued a statement in Chinese categorically denying that such an incident had occurred, adding that they “strongly condemn” the dissemination of false information, The Telegraph reported.
In a press release subsequently published in English, the Taiwan Air Force Command said it was “solemnly refuting” this “false information”, saying it was “completely false” that it had shot down a fighter jet belonging to China. This comes a day after the President of the Czech Senate, Milos Vystrcil, led a diplomatic delegation to Taiwan and met with President Tsai Ing-wen and other Taiwanese political leaders.
After the visit, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and state media raised strong objections, saying the Czech Republic would be “paying a high price” for fostering relations with Taiwan.
Explained: Here’s Why Taiwan Is Changing Its Passport
Two days ago, Taiwan announced that it would redesign its passport to highlight its own name and remove the English term ‘Republic of China’ from its cover, in a move that was seen as Taiwan emphasizing its independence. Observers say that spreading false information, particularly of this nature involving military aggression, could lead to conflict for what have been a tense few days between Taipei and Beijing.
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