Because of these:
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This is the KJ-500, an AEW&C equipped with AESA radars in the dorsal radome. China has about 20 of these and are rapidly building more. Against non-stealth fighters like the F-16V, the KJ-500 will have a detection range over 400km.
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ROCAF E2T AEW&C
Taiwan has its own AEW&C, the Northrop Grumman E2 Hawkeye. This is a capable and proven aircraft serving on American aircraft carriers. However, it would have very poor survivability in a conflict with China, since the Taiwan island is only about 200km away from the mainland. AEW&Cs have no maneuverability and rely on distance to survive, but the geography of Taiwan forces them to the first line. Taiwan has only 6 E2Ts and no ability to produce more.
Range of the S400 SAM batteries covers the entire Taiwan island.
In a hypothetical air battle over the Taiwan Strait, long range missiles from the PLA will pluck the E2 from the sky before the battle even begins. The KJ-500s on the other hand will remain safely in Chinese airspace, directing data linked J-10Cs and J-16s in BVR engagements. The Gulf War has shown how air forces supported by AEW&Cs dominates the battle, even against opponents equipped with fighters with similar capabilities on pap
