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.

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A Chinese military jet flies over Pingtan island, one of mainland China’s closest point from Taiwan, in Fujian province on August 5, 2022. – Taiwan blasted its “evil neighbour next door” on August 5 after China encircled the island with a series of huge military drills that were condemned by the United States and other Western allies.  (HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP via Getty Images)

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

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

People’s Liberation Army launches joint military operations around Taiwan island. China resolutely defends its sovereignty and territorial integrity. (People’s Liberation Army, China)

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.

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

The Associated Press and Lawrence Richard contributed to this report.