Beijing Brushes Off Taiwan Drone Incursions, Says It's 'Chinese Drones Over Chinese Territory'

Just after Taiwan announced its troops fired at a Chinese drone that flew over Kinmen Island Tuesday, Beijing dismissed the incursions, stating there is nothing "surprising" about its drones flying over Taiwan's territory.

"Chinese drones flying over China's territory — what's there to be surprised at?" Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said at a routine press conference.

Chinese state-backed media Global Times too reiterated Zhao's stance by running a report that said there is "no need to make a fuss" about Chinese mainland drones flying above Taiwan-administered Kinmen.

The report, quoting regional experts, said Kinmen was Chinese territory. "It is legal for Chinese people to fly drones in the country's territory as long as it meets the requirement set by the Chinese authorities, including the maximum altitude. The move does not violate any international laws either," Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and commentator, was quoted by Global Times.

Beijing's stance comes hours after Taiwan claimed three "civilian" drones were detected flying over Dadan Island, Erdan Island, and Shi Islet, respectively, in Kinmen County's Lieyu Township. Taiwanese soldiers fired flares at them before firing warning shots at one drone, which re-entered the area above one of the islands. All three drones later flew back toward the Chinese mainland. Kinmen is only about ten kilometers to the east of Xiamen.

Taking a dig at Taiwan's "weak defense capabilities," the Global Times report added that even if Kinmen is equipped with anti-drone systems, they would only affect civilian drones, not military ones. It also warned Taiwan to "twice before attacking a mainland drone."

"Many PLA drones are capable of both reconnaissance and attack. If the Taiwan authorities take action, like launching anti-air missiles or firing anti-air artilleries, such drones would take countermeasures, including attacking the Taiwan authorities' origins of attacks. The Taiwan authorities must think twice before attacking a mainland drone," the report, quoting analysts, added.

China's stance has triggered Taiwan's Foreign Ministry, which expressed anger at Zhao Lijian's comments. "There is an ancient Chinese teaching that "uninvited people are called thieves." Whether it is breaking through the door or peeping from the air, the people of Taiwan do not welcome such thieves," a statement read.

Taiwan had said last week it would shoot down drones that intrude into its Kinmen island from the mainland. The Kinmen Defense Command said in a statement that it would drive Chinese drones out of Kinmen County, and shoot them down if warnings are ignored.