China sends 24 fighter jets toward Taiwan in show of force

TAIPEI, Taiwan (AP) — China has sent 24 fighter jets toward Taiwan in a large display of force. The move comes after the self-governing island announced its intention to join an 11-nation Pacific trade group that China has also applied to join. The island’s Defense Ministry says it deployed air patrol forces in response to the Chinese jets and tracked them on its air defense systems. China has sent fighter jets toward Taiwan on an almost daily basis this past year. Taiwan and China split during a civil war in 1949, but China continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory. Beijing opposes Taiwan’s involvement in international organizations.