Taiwan's government says 71 Chinese air force aircraft — including fighter jets and drones — entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone in the past 24 hours, China's largest reported incursion to date.
Of the aircraft, 43 also crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line, an unofficial buffer between the two sides that lies within the defence zone, Taiwan's Defence Ministry said in a report, as Beijing continues military activities close to the Chinese-claimed island.
The White House said the United States was concerned by China's military activity near Taiwan, which it called "provocative" and "destabilising," adding that it risked miscalculations and undermined regional stability.
Taiwan's official Central News Agency said it was the largest Chinese air force incursion to date, although there was no sense of alarm on the island, which has witnessed a steady increase in Chinese pressure in recent years.
In recent years China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) has sent planes or ships toward the self-ruled island on a near-daily basis.
Among the Chinese aircraft detected were 18 J-16 fighter jets, 11 J-1 fighters, 6 Su-30 fighters and drones.
Taiwan said it monitored the Chinese moves through its land-based missile systems, as well as on its own navy vessels.
"This is a firm response to the current US-Taiwan escalation and provocation," said Shi Yi, the spokesman for the PLA's Eastern Theatre Command, in a statement on Sunday night.
It announced that the PLA was holding joint combat patrols and joint strike drills in the waters around Taiwan.
Mr Shi was referring to the US defence spending bill, which calls China a strategic challenge.
The legislation authorises increased security cooperation with Taiwan and requires expanded cooperation with India on emerging defence technologies, readiness and logistics.
China's military has often used large military exercises as a demonstration of force in response to US government actions in support of Taiwan.
It conducted large live-fire military exercises in August in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.
Beijing views visits from foreign governments to the island as de facto recognition of the island as independent, and a challenge to China's claim of sovereignty.
AP/Reuters
