This was announced in the run-up to the inauguration of Taiwan’s new president, Lai Ching-te, on May 20.
A statement from the Ministry of Defense indicated that 17 aircraft crossed the so-called median line and flew into Taiwan’s North and Central Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).
Beijing claims Taiwan as part of its territory, which it intends to seize one day, by force if necessary, and has stepped up diplomatic and military pressure in recent years as relations have soured.
Tensions between Beijing and Taipei have further increased since the administration and government of Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen rejected China’s claims to the island.
In January, Lai Ching-te, considered a dangerous separatist by Beijing, won the presidential election, with China saying his victory would lead to war and Taiwan’s decline.
The latest incident comes a day after Manila summoned a senior Chinese envoy to protest a water cannon incident that damaged two Philippine ships on patrol in the South China Sea.
According to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, a Coast Guard vessel and another government vessel were damaged in an incident near the disputed Scarborough Shoal on April 30.
Manila and Beijing have long had territorial disputes in the South China Sea, and there have been several clashes between Filipino and Chinese vessels in recent months, including the use of water cannons by Chinese coast guard vessels.
The April 30 incident occurred during major annual military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, much to Beijing’s chagrin.
