Taiwan says Chinese government sent seven aircrafts, five ships near island

China’s military sent over seven aircraft sorties and five ships operating around the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said.

On Saturday, mainland China’s military, known formally as the People’s Liberation Army, said that seven aircraft sorties and five ships were detected near the island in a 24-hour period.

China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, flies warplanes toward the self-governing island on a near-daily basis.

When asked about the activity, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has previously said that there is no such thing as a “median line” because the island of Taiwan, although self-governing, is recognized officially as part of Chinese territory.

Most of the international community, including the US, formally recognizes the “One-China” policy, although President Biden said the US would respond should China invade the island – a comment the White House later walked back.

In recent months, China has continued its aggressive effort to expand its influence throughout the Pacific, which includes large military drills in the air and waters around Taiwan.

A Chinese J-16 military aircraft photographed on Nov. 2, 2020. China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, flies warplanes toward the self-governing island on a near-daily basis.EPA

A photo taken by Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense captures a Chinese aircraft carrier sailing through the Bashi Channel in between Taiwan and the Philippines on Oct. 26, 2023.Taiwan’s Ministry of National De/AFP via Getty Images

The US is Taiwan’s main supplier of arms and opposes any attempt to change Taiwan’s status by force.

Taiwan and China split during a civil war in 1949, which is when the Communists took control of mainland China.

The losing Nationalists fled to Taiwan and were allowed to set up their own government on the island.

Only a few foreign nations give the island official diplomatic recognition.

The Associated Press and Lawrence Richard contributed to this report.