20 Chinese aircraft crossed Taiwan Strait median line, Taiwan says

Taiwan’s defence ministry said it had detected 20 Chinese military aircraft crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entering the island’s air defence identification zone during planned Chinese military drills.

The air operations were part of a wider surge in Chinese military pressure around Taiwan, which Beijing claims is its territory. Taiwan has reported Chinese aircraft crossing an unofficial median line that once served as a buffer between the two sides with growing frequency.

Taiwan’s armed forces monitored the aircraft and sent up air patrols and other surveillance measures, the defence ministry said.

The ministry did not immediately disclose what types of aircraft they were, their precise flight paths or whether any entered Taiwan’s territorial airspace.

China regularly conducts military exercises and patrols around Taiwan, claiming they are needed to protect its sovereignty and counter what it sees as separatist activity. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and says its future should be decided by its people.

Taiwan has said China’s military activity around the island is becoming more unpredictable and aggressive. Beijing is tightening control over air and sea routes around Taiwan, according to its most recent annual defence assessment.

Taipei is increasing defence spending and military capabilities amid rising worries about Chinese pressure.