Mass incursions by Chinese aircraft into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) appear to have entered a new phase after Beijing sent a total of 39 warplanes near the self-ruled island on Saturday, setting a record for the second straight day and raising tensions to fresh highs.
Chinese aircraft conducted 19 flights near the territory during rare overnight sorties, adding to 20 reported earlier in the day, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said early Sunday. Those flights came a day after the Chinese military sent a total of 38 warplanes to the area — including nuclear-capable H-6 bombers — as Beijing marked the country's National Day.
The Taiwanese Defense Ministry said it had sent combat aircraft to warn away the Chinese aircraft, while missile systems had been deployed to monitor them.