Taiwan claims detecting Chinese aircraft, naval ships

ANKARA

Taiwan said it sent aircraft and naval ships after its Defense Ministry detected five Chinese aircraft, 14 naval vessels, and one official ship around Taiwan on Saturday and Sunday, the Taipei-based Central News Agency reported.

One of the aircraft was reported to have crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and made an incursion in the island country's southwestern air defense identification zone.

In response, Taiwan sent aircraft and naval ships and deployed coastal missile systems to "monitor Chinese activity."

There was no immediate reaction from China to Taiwan's claims.

Taipei said it has tracked Chinese military aircraft 438 times and ships 239 times this month so far.

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