Chinese aircraft and navy conduct drills around Taiwan in warning against 'external interference'
China has conducted more military drills around Taiwan in a warning against "external interference".
China has conducted more military drills around Taiwan in a warning against "external interference".
Taiwan said it was placing its forces on alert and called the Chinese government "the biggest destroyer of peace".
Air, sea and rocket troops were dispatched to take part in the joint exercises around the island, which Beijing continues to insist must come under its rule.
Taiwan's defence ministry said 89 Chinese military aircraft and drones were detected, with 67 entering Taiwan's response area.
The country's transport ministry said it will divert international flights from what it says are dangerous areas or issue alternative flight routes to ensure safety.
Chinese aircraft frequently fly near Taiwanese airspace as tensions persist in the Taiwan Strait.
Image: A ship fires a weapon during drills east of Taiwan, in this screenshot from a video released by the Eastern Theatre Command
The drills came after Beijing expressed anger at US weapons sales to Taiwan and a statement from Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who said her military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan.
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Senior Colonel Shi Yi, a Chinese military spokesperson, said the drills would be conducted in the Taiwan Strait and areas to the north, southwest, southeast and east of the island.