Taiwan claims to have detected 11 Chinese fighter jets, 8 ships, balloon near its territory

By Saadet Gokce

ISTANBUL (AA) - Taiwan said on Saturday that 11 Chinese fighter jets and eight ships, as well as a balloon, were detected around Taiwan.

According to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry, nine out of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern air defense identification zone.

They were detected until 6 a.m. (2200GMT) and the balloon was flying at an altitude of 20,000 feet (6 kilometers), said the ministry.

Earlier on Friday, the ministry said nine aircraft, eight ships, and six balloons were detected, while nine of the aircraft also crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s southwestern air defense identification zone.

They, too, were detected up until 6 a.m. (2200GMT).

China, which considers Taiwan a breakaway province, does not recognize the median line or the air defense zone. Taipei, however, has insisted on its independence since 1949.​​​​​​​