Three Chinese ships, including the aircraft carrier Shandong, crossed the Taiwan Strait on Saturday, stated the island's Ministry of National Defence. "A (People's Liberation Army Navy) flotilla of three ships, led by the Shangdong aircraft carrier, passed through the Taiwan Strait around noon today.

Chinese aircraft carrier Shandong, two other ships sail through Taiwan Strait: Report

Days after China's military said it had conducted "strike drills" around Taiwanese sea and airspace, Taiwan announced its decision to extend the current four-month-long mandatory military service to a year.

Taiwan extends mandatory military service to one year after Beijing's Christmas 'strike drills'

Satellite images have revealed China is upgrading and reinforcing its airbases facing towards Taiwan along its southeastern coast, indicating Beijing may be stepping up its plans to take the island by force.

The tension between China and Taiwan at their highest

Taiwanese troops using tanks, mortars and small arms staged a drill on Tuesday aimed at repelling an attack from China, which has increased its threats to reclaim the island and its own displays of military might.

Taiwan military stages drill aimed at repelling China attack

Taiwan on Tuesday said that Chinese jets had made a record 380 incursions into its defence zone last year, warning tensions were now at their highest since the mid-1990s.

'Tensions are now at their highest': Chinese jets made record 380 incursions in Taiwan

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen said the region is ready to hold "meaningful" talks with China if Beijing puts aside "antagonism" and improve relations on the basis of "reciprocity and dignity" in her new year's speech on Friday.

Taiwanese President calls for 'meaningful' talks with China