China's J-10 fighter jets during a flight demonstration in the southern Chinese city of Zhuhai. Photo: May Tse/South China Morning Post via Getty Images
China's government has sent 25 military jets into Taiwan airspace, the self-governed island's Ministry of National Defense said.
Why it matters: Monday's deployment of 14 J-16 and four J-10 fighters, four H-6K bombers, two Y-8 anti-sub warfare aircraft and one KJ-500 aircraft marks the biggest breach of Taiwan's air defense identification zone on record, according to the island's defense ministry.
- The status of the democratic island of Taiwan, which the Chinese government claims is a breakaway province, is one of the most sensitive political issues between Washington and Beijing.
Details: Taiwan's defense ministry said it deployed combat aircraft to warn the jets, and used missile systems to monitor the warplanes.
For the record: The White House has called the "concerning increase" in Chinese military activity in the Taiwan Strait "potentially destabilizing."
- The State Department issued guidelines Friday "to encourage U.S. government engagement with Taiwan that reflects our deepening unofficial relationship."
- China's ruling Communist Party did not immediately comment on the Taiwan military report.