Taiwan urged China on Tuesday to stop “military harassment” that threatens to harm regional security, as it said 24 Chinese warplanes were found near the island.
Since President Tsai Ing-wen came to power in 2016, China has increased military and political pressure on self-ruled Taiwan as it rejects Beijing’s position that the island is part of Chinese territory.
Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said in a statement: “The People’s Liberation Army’s continued military crackdown in the region could escalate tensions and worsen regional security.”
“We urge Beijing to take responsibility and immediately stop all unilateral actions that undermine regional stability,” it added.
According to the ministry, Beijing had sent about 24 aircraft, including fighter jets, bombers and drones, to Taiwan since 9 a.m. local time (0100 GMT), as well as about five warships to Taiwan, in what was called a “joint combat patrol”. as was described.