Taiwan detects Chinese aircraft, ships around its territory

By Aamir Latif

ANKARA (AA) - Taiwan's Defense Ministry Sunday said it detected Chinese aircraft and ships around the island country.

They included one Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and two official ships, which were detected between 6 am local time on Saturday (2200GMT Friday) and 6 am local time Sunday (2200GMT Saturday), the Taipei-based Central News Agency reported.

The aircraft was reported to have crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait.

In response, Taipei dispatched aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal-based missile systems to monitor the "Chinese activity."

There was no immediate reaction from Beijing on Taipei's statement.

Taiwan has tracked Chinese military aircraft 356 times and ships 224 times this month so far.

China considers Taiwan as its breakaway province, whereas Taipei insists on its independence.