China plane crash: Taiwan accused of shooting down fighter jet with missile defence system

In videos, flames and smoke can be seen emanating from the landing sight of the Chinese military jet. 

The jet allegedly crashed in Guangxi after flying over the Taiwan Strait. 

In the video, the pilot is seen to be motionless on a stretcher as members of the public gather round him. 

The condition of the pilot is not known although videos show him being treated by locals. 

This has not yet been confirmed. 

Although it is not sure as to why the jet crashed, tensions between China and Taiwan have risen soured rapidly. 

The autonomous island has repeatedly warned the Chinese airforce has repeatedly violated its airspace over the last few months. 

Located off China’s coast, Taiwan is seen as part of the mainland, with the Communist Party vowing to one day reclaim the island. 

In order to protect its independence, the US has a defence treaty with the island whereby it well sell arms to the Taiwanese military. 

In July, the US State Department approved a surface to air missile deal with Taiwan. 

The package will be an upgrade on the current Patriot surface-to-air missile system currently used. 

More to follow…

source: express.co.uk