Chinese sends jets, nuclear bombers into Taiwan air space, US fumes

Taiwan has urged Beijing to stop "irresponsible and provocative actions" after 56 Chinese warplanes crossed into its air defence zone on Monday.

The defence ministry said it scrambled aircraft to broadcast warnings after 36 fighter jets, 12 H-6 nuclear-capable bombers and four other planes entered its southwest air defence identification zone.

Four more fighters entered the zone in a night sortie, bringing the total to 56 planes, the ministry added.

The United States has also termed the Chinese military activity near Taiwan as provocative.

The White House urged Beijing to seize its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure and coercion against Taiwan.

China, on the other hand, hit back at the US, accusing Washington of "provocative" actions such as selling arms to Taipei and sending its warships to the Taiwan Strait.