China's Su-35 Jets Participate in Bashi Channel Patrol to Deter 'Taiwan Independence'

China’s Su-35 fighter jets along with H-6K bombers participated in Bashi Channel patrol in combat training and testing toprovide a deterrence to ‘Taiwan independence forces’, a Chinese military expert said.

 "The island patrol revealed that China's Su-35 fighter jets are combat-ready. With a stronger command and strike capability, the Su-35's participation provides a stronger deterrence to 'Taiwan independence' forces," Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert and TV commentator was quoted as saying by Global Times Friday.

Several H-6K bombers and surveillance aircraft from south and east theatre commands flew over Bashi Channel on Friday. They were accompanied by Su-35 and J-11 fighter jets, Shen Jinke, PLA Air Force spokesperson said.

It was the first time that the fighter jets and bombers and new fighter jets participated in combat training, the PLA Air Force announced on its Weibo account.

More new fighters will appear in island patrols, and the PLA Air Force will conduct more island patrols involving multiple fighters, Shen said. 

A PLA Air Force formation conducted island patrols on April 26, and the formation, made up of fighters, early warning and surveillance aircraft, and H-6K bombers flew over the Bashi Channel, Xinhua News Agency reported.