REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsTAIPEI, Sept 18 (Reuters) - Taiwan's defence ministry on Monday urged China to stop "destructive, unilateral action" after reporting a sharp rise in Chinese military activities near the island, warning such behaviour could lead to a sharp increase in tensions.
The ministry said that since Sunday it had spotted 103 Chinese military aircraft over the sea, a number it called a "recent high".
Peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait are the common responsibilities of all parties in the region, it added.
China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Taiwan's defence ministry noted last week that July to September is traditionally the busiest season for Chinese military drills along the coast.
Persons:
Dado Ruvic, Ben Blanchard, Yimou Lee, Muralikumar Anantharaman, Gerry Doyle
Organizations:
REUTERS, Rights, Monday, Communist, Reuters, Thomson
Locations:
Rights TAIPEI, China, Taiwan, Taipei, Taiwan Strait, Philippines, Beijing, South