Renewed sabre-rattling

Ships and fighter jets spotted around Taiwan

Taiwan says it has again spotted dozens of Chinese military aircraft and ships near the island. 21 aircraft and 15 navy and coast guard ships have been spotted in the past 24 hours, the Ministry of Defense in Taipei announced on Monday.

Ten aircraft had entered Taiwan's air surveillance zone, it was reported from Taiwan. China held a major two-day maneuver near Taiwan last week. According to information from Taipei, China deployed 111 aircraft and dozens of naval vessels in its show of force.

Taiwan seceded from communist mainland China at the end of the civil war 75 years ago. Since then, Beijing has regarded the island as a renegade province that should be reunited with the mainland - using military force if necessary.

Beijing has been increasing political pressure since 2016
Since 2016, China has massively increased political and military pressure on Taiwan, sending fighter jets and warships into the vicinity of the island almost daily, even outside of maneuvers.