TAIPEI—Eleven Chinese aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line on Friday morning, an unofficial boundary between the two sides, according to Taiwan's defense ministry, as China increases military pressure on the democratic island.
Taiwan, which the Chinese communist state claims as its own territory despite the island's protestations, has complained in recent years of practically daily Chinese air force operations, typically in the southern area of its air defense identification zone.
The defense ministry claimed 24 Chinese warplanes, including fighter jets and bombers, were detected near Taiwan beginning at 8 a.m. on Friday, and five Chinese warships reportedly joined a "joint war readiness patrol."
Taiwan dispatched aircraft and ships to warn China of its actions, while missile systems observed them, according to the ministry, which used conventional language in its response.
According to a senior Taiwan security official, the Chinese operations on Friday were most likely in response to a visit to Taipei by a congressional delegation led by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers.
In response to President Tsai Ing-wen's meeting with US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), which has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its rule, performed drills surrounding the island in April. Representatives in the House of Representatives.
Taiwan's government vehemently opposes the CCP's claims of sovereignty and has vowed to defend itself if the CCP strikes the island.
The US State Department approved the prospective sale of ammunition and logistical supply assistance to Taiwan in two separate accords for up to $440 million on Thursday.
