According to the Taiwanese government, China launched its largest ever incursion into Taiwan’s air defense zone.

In the last 24 hours, more than 70 Chinese aircraft including drones and fighter jets entered the zone. 43 of them briefly crossed Taiwan Strait’s median.

Although the median line is not officially recognized by Beijing, it serves as a buffer between them.

The defence ministry of China said that seven Chinese navy ships were also found near Taiwan.

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Shi Yi, spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Eastern Theatre Command stated: “This is an aggressive response to the current US Taiwan escalation.

Shi was referring to the US defense spending bill. It described China and approved more security cooperation.

According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, combat aircraft were sent by the Taiwanese to deter Chinese planes. Missile systems also monitored the situation.

China claims that democratic Taiwan must be returned to China. It has been harassing the island more frequently in recent years and regularly sends planes and ships towards it.

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China expands military drills around Taiwan

Taiwan rejects China’s claim to sovereignty. Taiwan’s official news agency stated that there is no alarm following this latest development.

Tsai Ingwen, Taiwan’s president, did not directly address China’s actions when she spoke to military personnel on Monday morning.

She urged Taiwan to increase its defense capacity in response to “continuous expansion of authoritarianism”.

She stated that “the more we prepare, the less likely it will be for rash attempts at aggression.”

“The stronger and more secure Taiwan will be the more united we all are.”