Taiwan says it detected Chinese military aircraft, ships around its territory

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - Taiwan said Monday that it tracked 21 Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels and three ships around the island over the past 24 hours.

The Ministry of National Defense said it tracked the aircraft, vessels and ships up until 6 am local time Monday (2200GMT Sunday), the Taipei-based Central News Agency reported.

Sixteen of the 21 People’s Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the island's northern, southwestern and eastern air defense identification zones (ADIZ), the ministry said.

In response, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships to monitor PLA activity.

Beijing considers Taiwan an “inseparable" part of China, while Taipei insists on the island’s independence.

*Writing by Aamir Latif