China has sent dozens of planes and ships to Taiwan, the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense announced this morning.
China's move comes just days after the US approved a $500 million (€463 million) arms sale to Taiwan.
The Ministry of Defense stated in a statement that 32 planes of the People's Liberation Army and nine vessels of the Navy were detected from 6.00:6.00 a.m. yesterday to XNUMX:XNUMX a.m. this morning.
They claim that about 20 planes have crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait.
In response, Taiwan put its aircraft, ships and missile systems on alert, the ministry said.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and does not recognize its self-proclaimed independence.
Last year, Beijing stepped up military exercises around the island in response to Taiwan's political activities.
The State Department announced Wednesday that a half-billion-dollar sale of infrared search-and-track systems for F-16 fighter jets and other related equipment to Taiwan has been signed.
Chinese Defense Ministry spokesman Zhang Xiaogang said yesterday that China opposes the sale, calling it "gross interference" in China's internal affairs.
Bonus video:
