Chinese military aircraft make 21 flights around Taiwan

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said in a post on its official social media account that Chinese military aircraft made 21 flights around the island over the past 24 hours. The flights involved bombers and support aircraft, fighter jets and military helicopters.

Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the ministry said 19 of the military aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, which separates the areas of influence of the two sides. Flights were recorded in the northern, central, southwestern and eastern parts of the area Taiwan designates as its Air Defense Identification Zone.

The ministry also reported that eight Chinese military vessels and eight official ships were observed around the island. Taiwan’s military monitored the situation and placed patrol aircraft, warships and coastal missile systems on alert.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has sharply increased military pressure on the island in recent years. Taiwan has had de facto independence since 1949 and has been increasing military spending while continuing to strengthen its defenses with advanced weapons systems acquired from the United States.