China sends record 28 fighter jets towards Taiwan

Taipei, June 15

China flew a record 28 fighter jets towards the self-ruled island of Taiwan on Tuesday, the island's defense ministry said, the largest such display of force since Beijing began sending planes on a near daily basis last year.

Taiwan's air force deployed its combat air patrol forces in response and monitored the situation in the southwestern part of the island's air defense identification zone with its air defense systems, the Ministry of National Defense said.

The planes included various types of fighter jets, including 14 J-16 and six J-11 planes, as well as bombers, the ministry said.

China's show of force comes after leaders of the Group of Seven industrialised nations issued a statement on Sunday calling for a peaceful resolution of cross-Taiwan Strait issues and underscored the importance of peace and stability. — AP