Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said it detected 22 sorties by Chinese military aircraft around the island over the past 24 hours, alongside the presence of seven Chinese naval vessels and five official ships operating in nearby waters.

In a statement posted on social media, the ministry said the Chinese aircraft—including fighter jets, bombers, support aircraft and a helicopter—were monitored from Thursday to Friday morning.

According to the ministry, 14 of the sorties entered the southwestern and eastern sectors of Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

The ministry also reported that seven Chinese warships and five official Chinese vessels were operating around the island during the same period.

Taiwan's armed forces said they closely monitored the activities and responded by deploying patrol aircraft, naval vessels and coastal missile systems.

China has stepped up military operations around Taiwan in recent years as Beijing continues to claim the self-governed island as part of its territory. Taiwan rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and maintains that only its people can determine the island's future.(ILKHA)