Tens of Chinese aircraft fly over Taiwan

Of the aircraft, 43 crossed Taiwan's Strait, which extends within the air protection zone, says the Taiwan Defence Ministry report as official Beijing continues military activities near the island's alleged by China.

Taiwan's official Central News agency said this is China's largest air force incriminating until now, even though it added that this has not alarmed the island, where China has increased the pressure in recent years.

China, which claims Taiwan is part of its territory, has said it has carried out “attack training” at sea and in airspace around Taiwan on Sunday, in response to what it said was provocation from the democratic-run island and the United States of America.

Taiwan, which strongly opposes China's claims of sovereignty, said these exercises show Beijing is destroying regional peace and trying to intimidate Taiwan's people.

A senior Taiwan official, familiar with security issues in the region, told Reuters that Taiwan estimates that China has organised a “military provocation to express anger at a new US law that increases its military assistance to Taiwan.

Taiwan official, who refused to identify himself because information has not yet been made public, said that during these exercises, Chinese air forces sent fighter planes across the country to simulate attacks on Taiwan and American warships.

Taiwan's Office of Affairs in China did not respond to the request for comment on this military operation.

Taiwan President Tsai Inng-Wen's office said the president would call a high-level national security meeting Tuesday morning to discuss strengthening the island's civil defence system and then hold a media conference regarding new civil defence measures.

No more details were given in this statement, but the Defence Ministry has said it is considering extending mandatory military service, currently four months, as the war in Ukraine and increasing tensions with Beijing have added to discussions on how to respond to Chinese military pressure.

The more preparations we make, the less likely there will be hasty attempts at aggression. The more united we are, the stronger and safer Taiwan will become,” Tsai said at a military ceremony Monday.

During the recent inspection, several Chinese aircraft, mainly combat aircraft, temporarily crossed Taiwan's Strait before returning to China, according to a graphic published by Taiwan's defence ministry. Seven Chinese Navy ships were also seen near Taiwan, the ministry said.

According to the report ) detailing Chinese activities near Taiwan during the last 24 hours until 6: 00 a.m. on Sunday local time, China's military sent other planes and feared in the southern area of Taiwan's air defence identification.

Taipei has complained several times about missions by the Chinese Air Force over the past two years, mostly in southern areas of the country. / REL/