Record Chinese Show Of Force In The Air, Says Taiwan

Beijing flew a record 28 fighter jets towards Taiwan on Tuesday, the island's defence ministry said, the largest such display of force since the mainland began sending planes on a near daily basis last year.

Taiwan's air force deployed its combat air patrol forces in response and monitored the situation in the southwestern part of the island's air defence identification zone with its air defence systems, the Ministry of National Defence said.

The planes included various types of fighter jets including 14 J-16 and six J-11 planes, as well as bombers, the ministry said.

The show of force by Beijing comes after leaders of the Group of Seven industrialised nations issued a statement on Sunday calling for a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues and underscored the importance of peace and stability.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Tuesday said the G-7 was deliberately "interfering in China’s internal affairs.”

“China’s determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests is unwavering,” he said.

Since the election of President Tsai Ing-wen in Taiwan in 2016, Beijing has increased diplomatic and military pressure on the government over her refusal to agree to its insistence that the island be considered part of Chinese territory.

The vast majority of Taiwanese reject the prospect of political union with the mainland under the “one country, two systems” framework used for Hong Kong.

Since last year, Beijing has been flying fighter jets towards the island almost daily in what it calls a demonstration of its seriousness in defending its national sovereignty.

Previously, the largest such manoeuvre was in March, when the mainland sent 25 fighter planes towards Taiwan. (AP)