TAIPEI, June 8 (Reuters) - Taiwan activated its defence systems on Thursday after reporting 37 Chinese military aircraft flying into the island's air defence zone, some of which then flew into the western Pacific, in Beijing's latest mass air incursion.
Taiwan's defence ministry said that from 5 a.m. (2100 GMT on Wednesday) it had detected 37 Chinese air force planes, including J-11 and J-16 fighters as well as nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, flying into the southwestern corner of its air defence identification zone, or ADIZ.
China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
On Monday, she told Taiwan media that the United States had an enduring interest in preserving stability in the Taiwan Strait and the United States would continue to arm the island, a source of constant friction in Sino-U.S. ties.
In April, China held war games around Taiwan following a trip to the United States by Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen.
Persons:
Laura Rosenberger, Tsai Ing, Ben Blanchard, Tom Hogue, Raju Gopalakrishnan
Organizations:
Pacific, American Institute, Taiwan, Thomson
Locations:
TAIPEI, Taiwan, Pacific, China, Russia, Japan, East China, Washington, Taipei, United States, Taiwan Strait, U.S