Chinese Z-9 ASW Helicopter First Seen Intruding Taiwan's ADIZ 共軍直9反潛直升機首次擾台 高度僅500公尺

China sent a Harbin Z-9 anti-submarine warfare helicopter into Taiwan's air defense identification zone on August 26, one day before the historic bilateral security meeting between Taiwan and Japan is set to take place.

Air Force: ROC:” PLA aircraft positioned at or above 500 meters, you have entered the southwestern corner of our air defense identification zone, please leave immediately.”

Two anti-submarine aircraft from China's PLA intruded into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) on Aug. 26, including a Harbin Z-9 anti-submarine warfare helicopter for the first time. Taiwan's Air force responded by sending combat air patrol (CAP), broadcasting radio warnings, and tracking them with land-based anti-aircraft missiles. Ministry of National Defense confirmed the appearance and noted that it flew at a low altitude of 500 meters.

Chen Kuo-hua, Airforce Spokesperson:” For security reasons, we will not be making too much comment, but we do have knowledge of this type of aircraft and are well-aware of the meaning behind its presence in our air zone.”

The Z-9 ASW helicopter appearance in Taiwan's air zone raised many eyebrows. Taiwan's Air Force said they are closely monitoring the situation. An expert said the Z-9 ASW helicopter probably took off from a naval ship and is paired up with the Shaanxi Y-8 anti-submarine warfare aircraft (Y-8 ASW). They entered Taiwan's air space to collect maritime information along the sea lanes of Bashi Channel. The latest intrusive actions have exposed China's intention of underwater warfare and it will certainly affect situations in the Taiwan Straits.

Su Tzu-yun, Assoc. Research Fellow, Div. of Defense Strategy and Resources, INDSR:” PLA's anti-submarine aircrafts often fly through that area to gather maritime information. They are preparing their battlefield. PLA submarines also pass through the Bashi Channel into the Philippine Sea, and when they enter the Philippine Sea, they pose a potential threat to the U.S.” 

Officials from the ruling parties of Japan and Taiwan held bilateral security talks for the first time on the 27th in view of the military tactics China imposes on both nations. Japanese councilor Sato Masahisa said that China's recent military actions unstabilized regional security and Japan and Taiwan should engage in in-depth dialogue over defense and security. DPP Lawmaker Tsai Shih-ying said the two nations have a deep and abiding friendship and exchanges should be done routinely

空軍廣播：「位於台灣西南空域高度500公尺的中共軍機注意，你已進入我空域影響我飛航安全，立即迴轉脫離。」

共軍近期擾台頻率持續升溫，26號派遣軍機進入我西南空域，空軍出動戰機升空，實施廣播驅離，也使用防空飛彈追監，值得注意的是，這架軍機飛行高度只有500公尺，採低空飛行，國防部揭露，共軍首度派直9反潛直升機擾台。

空軍發言人 陳國華：「背後的這些軍事意涵，我想基於空軍維護軍情的安全，相關的這些動態，我想我們都已經注意到了。」

外界關切直9現蹤台海的動機，空軍態度低調，表示有注意相關動態，研擬應處作為。學者研判，直9可能從水上艦隊起飛，搭配運8演練反潛作戰，目的是經營巴士海峽的潛艦走廊，蒐集海底地形與潛艦資訊，不過，共軍這回派出直9進入西南空域，不只讓水下作戰浮上檯面，水下攻防也牽動台海局勢變化。

國防院國防戰略與資源研究所所長 蘇紫雲：「中共的反潛機平常在那邊出沒是在做這種水文資料的熟悉，也就是戰場經營。那當然中國的潛艦也會在周邊活動，那再由台灣更南方的這個巴士海峽進入菲律賓海。那戰略潛艦如果進入菲律賓海，就會對美國本土造成直接的潛在威脅。」

面對台海情勢動盪，台日執政黨首次雙邊安全對談27號登場，凸顯台日關係新進展，日本參議員佐藤正久指出，中國片面改變區域現狀，影響台海跟日本安全，台日應加強交流，立委蔡適應則強調，此次對話象徵著兩國間的羈絆關係，期許未來能成為慣例。