Taiwan intercepted 23 Chinese aircrafts in just 3 hours

Taiwan's Ministry of Defense says it has detected 23 Chinese aircraft around the island in less than three hours.

China maintains an almost daily military presence around self-ruled Taiwan.

"We have consistently detected a total of 23 aircraft ... including 16 that crossed the median line," the defense ministry said, referring to the line crossing the Taiwan Strait that separates the island from China.

Fighter jets, transport planes and drones were intercepted, AFP reported.

Taiwan's "military is using joint reconnaissance and surveillance methods to closely monitor the situation."

Earlier, China dispatched 19 aircraft, eight warships and four Chinese Coast Guard vessels around Taiwan within 24 hours.

Tensions in the strait have heightened since the inauguration of Taiwan's new President Lai Ching-te on May 20.

China said his inauguration speech, in which he vowed to defend Taiwan's democracy and freedom, amounted to a "recognition of Taiwan's independence".

Three days later, China began military exercises around Taiwan, surrounding the island with warplanes and ships as "punishment" for "separatist actions."

China has said it will not abandon the use of force to take control of Taiwan. | BGNES