* Up to 20 Chinese aircraft encroached across the central line of the Taiwan Strait
* The latest escalation of tensions comes after weeks of Chinese military drills
* China's foreign ministry said Tuesday it will not 'renounce use of force' in Taiwan
Taiwan has scrambled fighter jets, put its navy on alert and activated missile systems in response to large-scale manoeuvres of 34 Chinese military aircraft and nine warships in the Taiwan Strait.
Beijing yesterday instructed its air force and navy to perform a major operation which saw 20 Chinese aircraft cross the central line of the Strait, long seen as a buffer zone between the island nation and mainland China, according to Taiwanese defence officials.
It is the latest escalation of tensions between the two states and comes after weeks of Chinese military drills close to Taiwanese air space, leading Taipei and its US allies to be wary of a potential blockade or outright attack.
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WNU Editor: Chinese media is citing US interference for these incursions .... PLA ramps up drills around Taiwan amid McCarthy's island visit hype (Global Times).
Taiwan Activates Defences In Response To Large-Scale Manoeuvres Of 34 Chinese Military Aircraft And Nine Warships In The Taiwan Strait
Taiwan activates defences in response to China incursions -- AP
Taiwan activates defences after Chinese planes, ships cross key line -- News 9
Invasion alert after China crosses line -- News.com.au