Twenty Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone on Friday, in the largest incursion yet reported by the island's defence ministry and marking a dramatic escalation of tension across the Taiwan Strait.

The island's defence ministry said the air force deployed missiles to "monitor" the incursion into the southwestern part of its air defence identification zone. It also said its planes warned the Chinese aircraft, including by radio.

It marked the largest incursion to date by the Chinese air force since Taiwan's defence ministry began disclosing almost daily Chinese military flights over the waters between the southern part of Taiwan and the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea last year.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-taiwan-sign-first-agreement-under-biden-administration-after-china-law-373392" hreflang="en">US, Taiwan sign first agreement under Biden administration after China law</a>

China claims almost the entirety of the resource-rich sea, and was accused by the United States this week of efforts to "intimidate and provoke others" by parking its vessels near Whitsun Reef.

Some of the Chinese aircraft flew in the airspace to the south of Taiwan and passed through the Bashi Channel which separates the island from the Philippines, Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement.

China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has stepped up military activities near the democratic island in recent months, a move Taiwan says jeopardizes regional stability.

The presence of so many Chinese combat aircraft on Friday's mission - Taiwan said it was made up of four nuclear-capable H-6K bombers and 10 J-16 fighter jets, among others - was unusual and came as the island's air force suspended all training missions after two fighter jet crashes this week.

&nbsp;Beijing routinely says such exercises are nothing unusual and are designed to show the country's determination to defend its sovereignty.

Earlier on Friday, Taiwan and the United States signed their first agreement under the administration of new president Joe Biden, establishing a Coast Guard Working Group to coordinate policy, after China's passing of a law that allows its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels.

While the United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it is bound by law to help Taiwan defend itself and is the island's main arms supplier.

Twenty Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone on Friday, in the largest incursion yet reported by the island's defence ministry and marking a dramatic escalation of tension across the Taiwan Strait.

Twenty Chinese military aircraft entered Taiwan's air defence identification zone on Friday, in the largest incursion yet reported by the island's defence ministry and marking a dramatic escalation of tension across the Taiwan Strait. The island's defence ministry said the air force deployed missiles to "monitor" the incursion into the southwestern part of its air defence identification zone. It also said its planes warned the Chinese aircraft, including by radio. It marked the largest incursion to date by the Chinese air force since Taiwan's defence ministry began disclosing almost daily Chinese military flights over the waters between the southern part of Taiwan and the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea last year. Also read| US, Taiwan sign first agreement under Biden administration after China law China claims almost the entirety of the resource-rich sea, and was accused by the United States this week of efforts to "intimidate and provoke others" by parking its vessels near Whitsun Reef. Some of the Chinese aircraft flew in the airspace to the south of Taiwan and passed through the Bashi Channel which separates the island from the Philippines, Taiwan's defence ministry said in a statement. China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, has stepped up military activities near the democratic island in recent months, a move Taiwan says jeopardizes regional stability. The presence of so many Chinese combat aircraft on Friday's mission - Taiwan said it was made up of four nuclear-capable H-6K bombers and 10 J-16 fighter jets, among others - was unusual and came as the island's air force suspended all training missions after two fighter jet crashes this week. Beijing routinely says such exercises are nothing unusual and are designed to show the country's determination to defend its sovereignty. Earlier on Friday, Taiwan and the United States signed their first agreement under the administration of new president Joe Biden, establishing a Coast Guard Working Group to coordinate policy, after China's passing of a law that allows its coast guard to fire on foreign vessels. While the United States, like most countries, has no formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, it is bound by law to help Taiwan defend itself and is the island's main arms supplier.

'Largest ever incursion': Twenty Chinese military aircraft enter Taiwan

Taiwan's defence minister said on Wednesday that&nbsp;it has strengthened deployments in the disputed South China Sea and that the United States has approved the export of sensitive technology to equip&nbsp;Taiwan's new submarine fleet.

China, which claims democratic&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its own territory, has increased its military activity near the island in recent months seeking to pressure Taipei to accept Beijing's sovereignty.&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;has vowed to defend itself.

Speaking in parliament, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng, who took up his post last month, said&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;has increased personnel and armaments on Itu Aba, the main island&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;occupies in the South China Sea.

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Itu Aba, also known as Taiping island, is the largest naturally occurring island in the Spratleys and is garrisoned by&nbsp;Taiwan's Coast Guard.

"They are capable of starting a war," Chiu told the parliament when asked by a lawmaker on whether China could attack&nbsp;Taiwan. "My goal is for us to be ready at all times."

Chiu said&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;was bolstering its position there due to China's "expansionism" in the region, though it was not currently considering a return to a permanent army garrison.

China has built man-made islands in the South China Sea and air bases on some of them. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei all have competing claims in the strategic waterway.

Separately, Chiu said that the United States had approved export permits for all of the sensitive equipment needed by&nbsp;Taiwan's indigenous submarine fleet, which it started building last year.

He added that&nbsp;Taiwan's arms purchases from the United States - the island's main source of weapons - had not been impacted by the new Biden administration taking office in Washington and were continuing.

Taiwan&nbsp;is modernising its armed forces, especially as it face almost daily challenges from China in the airspace and waters near the island, including frequent Chinese air force missions into&nbsp;Taiwan's air defence identification zone.

Chiu said these missions were part of China's war of attrition against&nbsp;Taiwan, whose forces are dwarfed by Beijing's, and defence forces were already adjusting on how to deal with such incursions, though did not give details.

"If we match them one for one, it costs a lot," he said.

In response,&nbsp;Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the country hopes that the United States will abide by the 'one-China' policy after it granted&nbsp;submarine approval for&nbsp;Taiwan.

Before leaving Tokyo, Secretary of State Blinken accused Beijing of acting more repressively at home and "more aggressively abroad", citing its activities in the East and South China Seas and towards&nbsp;Taiwan.

Taiwan's defence minister said on Wednesday that it has strengthened deployments in the disputed South China Sea and that the United States has approved the export of sensitive technology to equip Taiwan's new submarine fleet.

Taiwan's defence minister said on Wednesday that it has strengthened deployments in the disputed South China Sea and that the United States has approved the export of sensitive technology to equip Taiwan's new submarine fleet. China, which claims democratic Taiwan as its own territory, has increased its military activity near the island in recent months seeking to pressure Taipei to accept Beijing's sovereignty. Taiwan has vowed to defend itself. Speaking in parliament, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng, who took up his post last month, said Taiwan has increased personnel and armaments on Itu Aba, the main island Taiwan occupies in the South China Sea. Itu Aba, also known as Taiping island, is the largest naturally occurring island in the Spratleys and is garrisoned by Taiwan's Coast Guard. "They are capable of starting a war," Chiu told the parliament when asked by a lawmaker on whether China could attack Taiwan. "My goal is for us to be ready at all times." Chiu said Taiwan was bolstering its position there due to China's "expansionism" in the region, though it was not currently considering a return to a permanent army garrison. China has built man-made islands in the South China Sea and air bases on some of them. Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei all have competing claims in the strategic waterway. Separately, Chiu said that the United States had approved export permits for all of the sensitive equipment needed by Taiwan's indigenous submarine fleet, which it started building last year. He added that Taiwan's arms purchases from the United States - the island's main source of weapons - had not been impacted by the new Biden administration taking office in Washington and were continuing. Taiwan is modernising its armed forces, especially as it face almost daily challenges from China in the airspace and waters near the island, including frequent Chinese air force missions into Taiwan's air defence identification zone. Chiu said these missions were part of China's war of attrition against Taiwan, whose forces are dwarfed by Beijing's, and defence forces were already adjusting on how to deal with such incursions, though did not give details. "If we match them one for one, it costs a lot," he said. In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said the country hopes that the United States will abide by the 'one-China' policy after it granted submarine approval for Taiwan. Before leaving Tokyo, Secretary of State Blinken accused Beijing of acting more repressively at home and "more aggressively abroad", citing its activities in the East and South China Seas and towards Taiwan.

Taiwan strengthens deployments in South China Sea, gets US nod for submarine parts

Ahead of Taiwan's National Day on October 10, the Chinese mission in Delhi has asked Indian media to follow "One-China" policy and not refer to Taiwan as a "nation".

Ahead of Taiwan's National Day on October 10, the Chinese mission in Delhi has asked Indian media to follow "One-China" policy and not refer to Taiwan as a "nation". Also Read: Taiwan says has spent almost $900 million scrambling against China this year In a letter to the Indian media, the Chinese mission said, "would like to remind our media friends that there is only one China in the world" and the "Government of the People's Republic of China is the sole legitimate government representing the whole of China." Further explaining, "Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's territory. All countries that have diplomatic relations with China should firmly honour their commitment to the One-China policy, which is also the long-standing official position of the Indian government." The letter came hours after leading National Newspapers in India carried full-page advert, on WION running a programme on Taiwanese national day. The programme will go on air on Wednesday at 7 pm and Thursday at 5.30 pm. The letter by Chinese mission also hoped, "Indian media can stick to Indian government's position on Taiwan question and do not violate the One-China principle", asking the Indian media to not refer Taiwan as a "country" or “The Republic of China” or its Taiwan president Tsai ing-wen as President as it sends "wrong signals to the general public." October 10, 2011, marks the start of Wuchang Uprising leading to the end of China's Qing Dynasty and establishment of the Republic of China. This day is marked in Taiwan, and this year will be celebrated amid tensions between China and Taiwan.

Ahead of Taiwan's National Day, China asks Indian media to follow One-China policy

Taiwan's military has launched aircraft to intercept Chinese planes more than twice as much as all of last year, the island's defence ministry said, describing Taiwan as facing severe security challenges from its huge neighbour.

China, which claims democratic Taiwan as its own territory, has stepped up its military activities near the island, responding to what Beijing calls "collusion" between Taipei and Washington.

Also see|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-taiwan-china-relations-since-1949-188037">In pictures: Taiwan-China relations since 1949</a>

In the past few weeks, Chinese fighter jets have crossed the mid-line of the Taiwan Strait, which normally serves as an official buffer between the island and the mainland, and have flown into Taiwan's southwestern air defence identification zone.

In a report to parliament, a copy of which was reviewed by Reuters, Taiwan's Defence Ministry said so far this year the air force had scrambled 4,132 times, up 129 per cent&nbsp;compared to all of last year, according to Reuters calculations.

Also read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-possibility-of-war-taiwan-calls-for-global-coalition-against-china-328167">&nbsp;'Real possibility of war': Taiwan calls for global coalition against China</a>

China "is trying to use unilateral military actions to change the security status quo in the Taiwan Strait, and at the same time is testing our response, increasing pressure on our air defences and shrinking our space for activity," it said.

The rapid development of China's military has been accompanied by "targeted" military actions against Taiwan, the ministry added.

China has been particularly angered by growing U.S. support for Taiwan, including senior US&nbsp;officials visiting the island, adding to broader Sino-U.S. tensions.

While Taiwan is unable to compete numerically with China's armed forces, President Tsai Ing-wen has been overseeing a military modernisation programme, aiming to make the island's armed forces more nimble and Taiwan more difficult to attack.

Addressing a Taiwan-US&nbsp;defence conference late Monday, Vice Defence Minister Chang Guan-chung said China has been ramping up what he called "realistic training against Taiwan".

"We are developing systems that are small, numerous, smart, stealthy, fast, mobile, low-cost, survivable, effective, easy to develop, maintain and preserve, and difficult to detect and counter," he said.

Chang called for enhanced cooperation with the United States that goes beyond weapons sales, saying that would further invigorate Taiwan's defence reform and military modernisation.

"We will also emphasise joint effort in training, operational concepts, capability assessment, intelligence sharing, and armament cooperation. These are equally important as the acquisition of hardware," he said.

Taiwan's military has launched aircraft to intercept Chinese planes more than twice as much as all of last year, the island's defence ministry said, describing Taiwan as facing severe security challenges from its huge neighbour.

Taiwan's military has launched aircraft to intercept Chinese planes more than twice as much as all of last year, the island's defence ministry said, describing Taiwan as facing severe security challenges from its huge neighbour. China, which claims democratic Taiwan as its own territory, has stepped up its military activities near the island, responding to what Beijing calls "collusion" between Taipei and Washington. Also see| In pictures: Taiwan-China relations since 1949 In the past few weeks, Chinese fighter jets have crossed the mid-line of the Taiwan Strait, which normally serves as an official buffer between the island and the mainland, and have flown into Taiwan's southwestern air defence identification zone. In a report to parliament, a copy of which was reviewed by Reuters, Taiwan's Defence Ministry said so far this year the air force had scrambled 4,132 times, up 129 per cent compared to all of last year, according to Reuters calculations. Also read| 'Real possibility of war': Taiwan calls for global coalition against China China "is trying to use unilateral military actions to change the security status quo in the Taiwan Strait, and at the same time is testing our response, increasing pressure on our air defences and shrinking our space for activity," it said. The rapid development of China's military has been accompanied by "targeted" military actions against Taiwan, the ministry added. China has been particularly angered by growing U.S. support for Taiwan, including senior US officials visiting the island, adding to broader Sino-U.S. tensions. While Taiwan is unable to compete numerically with China's armed forces, President Tsai Ing-wen has been overseeing a military modernisation programme, aiming to make the island's armed forces more nimble and Taiwan more difficult to attack. Addressing a Taiwan-US defence conference late Monday, Vice Defence Minister Chang Guan-chung said China has been ramping up what he called "realistic training against Taiwan". "We are developing systems that are small, numerous, smart, stealthy, fast, mobile, low-cost, survivable, effective, easy to develop, maintain and preserve, and difficult to detect and counter," he said. Chang called for enhanced cooperation with the United States that goes beyond weapons sales, saying that would further invigorate Taiwan's defence reform and military modernisation. "We will also emphasise joint effort in training, operational concepts, capability assessment, intelligence sharing, and armament cooperation. These are equally important as the acquisition of hardware," he said.

Taiwan says military under pressure from China as missions mount

Taiwan on Monday&nbsp;expressed its gratitude towards the European Union for its help after a global alliance of mayors stopped referring to Taiwanese cities as part of China, in a rare win for the island amid growing Chinese pressure.

The dispute over international organisations referring to Taiwan as Chinese has moved from wild bird conservation to climate change, after a global alliance of mayors began listing Taiwanese cities as belonging to China on its website.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/real-possibility-of-war-taiwan-calls-for-global-coalition-against-china-328167">'Real possibility of war': Taiwan calls for global coalition against China</a>

China has ramped up pressure on international groups and companies to refer to democratic, self-ruled Taiwan as being part of China, to the anger of Taiwan’s government and many of its people.

Beijing views the island as merely a wayward Chinese province.

This month a Taiwan bird conservation body said it had been expelled from a partnership with a British-based wildlife charity after it demanded the Taiwan group change its name and sign documents stating it did not support Taiwan’s independence.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/set-off-war-china-threatens-retaliation-after-us-diplomats-visit-to-taiwan-329155">'Set off war': China threatens retaliation after US diplomat's visit to Taiwan</a>

Late on Saturday, the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung’s government said the website of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy had begun listing Taiwan member cities like itself as part of China.

On Sunday, Taiwan’s government expressed it fury.

“Taiwan is Taiwan. China is China. Taiwan is not a city of China’s. If there is incorrect usage we think this is extremely improper,” Premier Su Tseng-chang told reporters.

The Kaohsiung city government circulated to reporters a draft of a joint letter from six Taiwanese mayors to the Global Covenant asking it to fix the name issue, or they would withdraw from the group.

In an emailed statement, the Global Covenant’s secretariat said it was an apolitical organisation promoting climate action.

“Since our inception, we have designated cities in accordance with international practices and this has not changed since. We have received and are evaluating the request from the six mayors,” it said, without elaborating.

The Global Covenant says its mission is to “galvanise climate and energy action across cities worldwide”, representing a population of over 800 million. The only Chinese city it lists as a member is Hong Kong.

Taiwan on Monday expressed its gratitude towards the European Union for its help after a global alliance of mayors stopped referring to Taiwanese cities as part of China, in a rare win for the island amid growing Chinese pressure.

Taiwan on Monday expressed its gratitude towards the European Union for its help after a global alliance of mayors stopped referring to Taiwanese cities as part of China, in a rare win for the island amid growing Chinese pressure. The dispute over international organisations referring to Taiwan as Chinese has moved from wild bird conservation to climate change, after a global alliance of mayors began listing Taiwanese cities as belonging to China on its website. Also read: 'Real possibility of war': Taiwan calls for global coalition against China China has ramped up pressure on international groups and companies to refer to democratic, self-ruled Taiwan as being part of China, to the anger of Taiwan’s government and many of its people. Beijing views the island as merely a wayward Chinese province. This month a Taiwan bird conservation body said it had been expelled from a partnership with a British-based wildlife charity after it demanded the Taiwan group change its name and sign documents stating it did not support Taiwan’s independence. Also read: 'Set off war': China threatens retaliation after US diplomat's visit to Taiwan Late on Saturday, the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung’s government said the website of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy had begun listing Taiwan member cities like itself as part of China. On Sunday, Taiwan’s government expressed it fury. “Taiwan is Taiwan. China is China. Taiwan is not a city of China’s. If there is incorrect usage we think this is extremely improper,” Premier Su Tseng-chang told reporters. The Kaohsiung city government circulated to reporters a draft of a joint letter from six Taiwanese mayors to the Global Covenant asking it to fix the name issue, or they would withdraw from the group. In an emailed statement, the Global Covenant’s secretariat said it was an apolitical organisation promoting climate action. “Since our inception, we have designated cities in accordance with international practices and this has not changed since. We have received and are evaluating the request from the six mayors,” it said, without elaborating. The Global Covenant says its mission is to “galvanise climate and energy action across cities worldwide”, representing a population of over 800 million. The only Chinese city it lists as a member is Hong Kong.

Taiwan gets rare win in China naming dispute

Taiwan President&nbsp;Tsai&nbsp;Ing-wen on Tuesday told China&nbsp;to ''back-off'' after the rise in&nbsp;airspace ''incursion'' by the Chinese jets.

Tension between China and the democratic island Beijing&nbsp;claims as sovereign Chinese territory have spiked to their highest in years, with Taiwanese fighters jets scrambling&nbsp;to intercept the Chinese aircraft last week.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-scrambles-fighters-for-fourth-time-in-five-days-amid-chinese-incursion-329291" hreflang="en">Taiwan scrambles fighters for fourth time in five days amid Chinese incursion</a>

Visiting&nbsp;a major air force base on Penghu in the sensitive Taiwan Strait that divides the two sides,&nbsp;Tsai&nbsp;told pilots and engineers she was aware of their "heroic performance" when intercepting&nbsp;and driving&nbsp;away Chinese aircraft.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Taiwan’s Air Force does not give in to threats or military provocation. Our men and women in uniform have the will &amp; ability to defend <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taiwan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taiwan</a> &amp; are not intimidated by <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PRC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PRC</a> intrusions in our airspace. We are dedicated to maintaining peace &amp; stability in the region. <a href="https://t.co/71JsvhR6YE">pic.twitter.com/71JsvhR6YE</a>
— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) <a href="https://twitter.com/iingwen/status/1308349799469514753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"I have a lot of confidence in you. As soldiers of the Republic of China, how could we let enemies strut around in our own airspace?" she said, using&nbsp;Taiwan's formal name.

"I'm aware that facing&nbsp;the provocative behaviour of the communist planes that have encircled the island and damaged regional peace in recent days, your duty at the front line of the airspace in Penghu must be even heavier."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/set-off-war-china-threatens-retaliation-after-us-diplomats-visit-to-taiwan-329155/amp">'Set off war': China threatens retaliation after US diplomat's visit to Taiwan</a>

<ul>
</ul>

The base, now home to F-CK-1 Ching-kuo Indigenous Defence Fighters (IDF) which first entered service in 1997, is at the front line of Taiwan's response to Chinese military intrusions.

Wang Chia-chu, one of the senior officers of the "Heavenly Colt" IDF squadron, said there is just five minutes' time to scramble fighters once Chinese aircraft are spotted.

"We will defend our airspace in real time as long as there's a threat," Wang said.

Another senior officer, speaking&nbsp;on condition of anonymity, said the Penghu-based IDFs are now scrambling&nbsp;"almost every day" as tension run high.

The air force also put on display its new Wan Chien air-to-ground cruise missiles that entered service in 2018 and can be fired from IDFs at targets about 200 km (125 miles) away, putting&nbsp;Chinese facilities or approaching&nbsp;ships in their sights.

Separately, Defence Minister Yen Teh-fa oversaw drills simulating&nbsp;a response to an air attack, involving&nbsp;all Taiwan's air bases as well as naval and surface-to-air missile units, the ministry said.

"The enemy threat grows by the day," it cited Yen as saying. "On no account allow the enemy to step out of line, and defend the country's sovereignty, democracy and freedom."

Crossing the mid line

Unusually, Chinese aircraft last week breached the mid line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial barrier for combat aircraft of both sides, though they have not flown over mainland Taiwan.

On Monday, China's foreign ministry said the line did not exist, drawing&nbsp;condemnation from Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu.

In Taipei on Tuesday, Wu called the line an important "symbol" for avoiding&nbsp;military clashes.

"We demand the international community strongly condemns China's words and actions and demand the Chinese government stops everything&nbsp;that it has been doing," he added.

China has been angered by stepped-up US&nbsp;support for democratic Taiwan, including&nbsp;a visit to Taipei last week by US&nbsp;Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach.

Taiwanese fighters have scrambled many times this year to intercept Chinese aircraft.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday told China to ''back-off'' after the rise in airspace ''incursion'' by the Chinese jets. Tension between China and the democratic island Beijing claims as sovereign Chinese territory have spiked to their highest in years, with Taiwanese fighters jets scrambling to intercept the Chinese aircraft last week.

Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on Tuesday told China to ''back-off'' after the rise in airspace ''incursion'' by the Chinese jets. Tension between China and the democratic island Beijing claims as sovereign Chinese territory have spiked to their highest in years, with Taiwanese fighters jets scrambling to intercept the Chinese aircraft last week. Also read: Taiwan scrambles fighters for fourth time in five days amid Chinese incursion Visiting a major air force base on Penghu in the sensitive Taiwan Strait that divides the two sides, Tsai told pilots and engineers she was aware of their "heroic performance" when intercepting and driving away Chinese aircraft. Taiwan’s Air Force does not give in to threats or military provocation. Our men and women in uniform have the will & ability to defend #Taiwan & are not intimidated by #PRC intrusions in our airspace. We are dedicated to maintaining peace & stability in the region. pic.twitter.com/71JsvhR6YE — 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) September 22, 2020 × "I have a lot of confidence in you. As soldiers of the Republic of China, how could we let enemies strut around in our own airspace?" she said, using Taiwan's formal name. "I'm aware that facing the provocative behaviour of the communist planes that have encircled the island and damaged regional peace in recent days, your duty at the front line of the airspace in Penghu must be even heavier." Also read: 'Set off war': China threatens retaliation after US diplomat's visit to Taiwan The base, now home to F-CK-1 Ching-kuo Indigenous Defence Fighters (IDF) which first entered service in 1997, is at the front line of Taiwan's response to Chinese military intrusions. Wang Chia-chu, one of the senior officers of the "Heavenly Colt" IDF squadron, said there is just five minutes' time to scramble fighters once Chinese aircraft are spotted. "We will defend our airspace in real time as long as there's a threat," Wang said. Another senior officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the Penghu-based IDFs are now scrambling "almost every day" as tension run high. The air force also put on display its new Wan Chien air-to-ground cruise missiles that entered service in 2018 and can be fired from IDFs at targets about 200 km (125 miles) away, putting Chinese facilities or approaching ships in their sights. Separately, Defence Minister Yen Teh-fa oversaw drills simulating a response to an air attack, involving all Taiwan's air bases as well as naval and surface-to-air missile units, the ministry said. "The enemy threat grows by the day," it cited Yen as saying. "On no account allow the enemy to step out of line, and defend the country's sovereignty, democracy and freedom." Crossing the mid line Unusually, Chinese aircraft last week breached the mid line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial barrier for combat aircraft of both sides, though they have not flown over mainland Taiwan. On Monday, China's foreign ministry said the line did not exist, drawing condemnation from Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu. In Taipei on Tuesday, Wu called the line an important "symbol" for avoiding military clashes. "We demand the international community strongly condemns China's words and actions and demand the Chinese government stops everything that it has been doing," he added. China has been angered by stepped-up US support for democratic Taiwan, including a visit to Taipei last week by US Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach. Taiwanese fighters have scrambled many times this year to intercept Chinese aircraft.

Taiwan tells China to 'back-off' as airspace 'incursions' rise

Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu on Thursday asked for the help of international community to&nbsp;defend his country against China's increasing military interference, fearing a ''real possibility of war''.

Two Chinese anti-submarine aircraft flew into&nbsp;Taiwan's air defence identification zone on Wednesday and were warned to leave by&nbsp;Taiwan's air force, the island's defence ministry said on Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-defends-military-drills-near-taiwan-after-it-condemns-serious-provocation-327845" hreflang="en">China defends military drills near Taiwan after it condemns 'serious provocation'</a>

The statement&nbsp;comes the same day US&nbsp;Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach is due to arrive in&nbsp;Taiwan, in a trip likely to further rile Beijing which regularly denounces United States support for the democratic island.

Krach is in&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;for a three-day visit in which he will attend a memorial service on September 19&nbsp;for former President Lee Teng-hui, who was revered by many on the island and internationally as the father of&nbsp;Taiwan's democracy.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-taiwan-unveils-new-passport-design-to-resolve-china-confusion-324671">Now, Taiwan unveils new passport design to resolve China confusion</a>

He is also expected to meet&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;President Tsai Ing-wen on September 18.&nbsp;His visit follows one last month by US&nbsp;Health Secretary Alex Azar, the highest-level US&nbsp;official to come to the democratic island in four decades.

Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China has lodged "stern representations" with Washington about Krach's trip, and that it opposed any official exchanges between the United States and&nbsp;Taiwan.

The United States plans to sell as many as seven major weapons systems, including mines, cruise missiles and drones to&nbsp;Taiwan, four people familiar with the discussions said, as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on China.

Pursuing seven sales at once is a rare departure from years of precedent in which US&nbsp;military sales to the island were spaced out and carefully calibrated to minimize tensions with Beijing.

But the Trump administration has become more aggressive with China in 2020 and the sales would land as relations between Beijing and Washington are at their lowest point in decades over accusations of spying, a lingering trade war and disputes about the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu on Thursday asked for the help of international community to defend his country against China's increasing military interference, fearing a ''real possibility of war''.

Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu on Thursday asked for the help of international community to defend his country against China's increasing military interference, fearing a ''real possibility of war''. Two Chinese anti-submarine aircraft flew into Taiwan's air defence identification zone on Wednesday and were warned to leave by Taiwan's air force, the island's defence ministry said on Thursday. Also read: China defends military drills near Taiwan after it condemns 'serious provocation' The statement comes the same day US Undersecretary for Economic Affairs Keith Krach is due to arrive in Taiwan, in a trip likely to further rile Beijing which regularly denounces United States support for the democratic island. Krach is in Taiwan for a three-day visit in which he will attend a memorial service on September 19 for former President Lee Teng-hui, who was revered by many on the island and internationally as the father of Taiwan's democracy. Also read: Now, Taiwan unveils new passport design to resolve China confusion He is also expected to meet Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen on September 18. His visit follows one last month by US Health Secretary Alex Azar, the highest-level US official to come to the democratic island in four decades. Speaking in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said China has lodged "stern representations" with Washington about Krach's trip, and that it opposed any official exchanges between the United States and Taiwan. The United States plans to sell as many as seven major weapons systems, including mines, cruise missiles and drones to Taiwan, four people familiar with the discussions said, as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on China. Pursuing seven sales at once is a rare departure from years of precedent in which US military sales to the island were spaced out and carefully calibrated to minimize tensions with Beijing. But the Trump administration has become more aggressive with China in 2020 and the sales would land as relations between Beijing and Washington are at their lowest point in decades over accusations of spying, a lingering trade war and disputes about the spread of the novel coronavirus.

'Real possibility of war': Taiwan calls for global coalition against China

Fed up with being confused for China amid the coronavirus pandemic and Beijing's stepped-up efforts to assert sovereignty, Taiwan said on Wednesday it would redesign its passport to give greater prominence to the island's name.

Taiwan&nbsp;has complained during the outbreak that its nationals have encountered problems entering other countries, as&nbsp;Taiwanese passports have the words "Republic of China", its formal name, written in large English font at the top, with "Taiwan" printed at the bottom.

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Times change &amp; so do passports. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TAIWAN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TAIWAN</a>🇹🇼 is front &amp; center of the new design. Greater visibility equals easier recognition &amp; less confusion. The country's passport is the 33rd best worldwide, affording holders visa privileges in 170 countries &amp; regions! 
➡️<a href="https://t.co/BIDqHtGkMh">https://t.co/BIDqHtGkMh</a> <a href="https://t.co/vhe5Suwh62">pic.twitter.com/vhe5Suwh62</a>
— 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MOFA_Taiwan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MOFA_Taiwan/status/1300995149942501376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The new passport, expected to come into circulation in January, removes the large English words "Republic of China", though the name in Chinese characters will remain, and enlarges the word "Taiwan" in English.

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The design of the new Taiwan passport, due to apply from Jan 2021, is out. Sadly it does not feature any birds with bubble tea on their heads but does significantly enlarged the word “Taiwan” in English and relegate “Republic of China” to small text enclosing the national emblem. <a href="https://t.co/iBLoQewxAP">pic.twitter.com/iBLoQewxAP</a>
— Ryan Ho Kilpatrick 何松濤 (@rhokilpatrick) <a href="https://twitter.com/rhokilpatrick/status/1300992198800863232?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 2, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Taiwan&nbsp;Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said new passports were needed to prevent their nationals being mistaken for Chinese citizens, especially with the stepped up entry checks many countries have begun since the pandemic began.

<img alt="Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2151abe9-2a08-4832-a53b-a522d29d5e03" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2865%29_4.jpg" />

Taiwan&nbsp;Foreign Minister Joseph Wu&nbsp;unveils the new passport design in Taipei,&nbsp;Taiwan 
&nbsp;

"Since the beginning of the Wuhan pneumonia outbreak this year our people have kept hoping that we can give more prominence to&nbsp;Taiwan's visibility, avoiding people mistakenly thinking they are from China," Wu told reporters.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/i-am-taiwanese-czech-speaker-channels-kennedy-in-taiwan-speech-324470">'I am Taiwanese': Czech speaker channels Kennedy in Taiwan speech</a>

China claims democratic&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its sovereign territory, and says only it has the right to speak for the island internationally, a position it has pushed strongly during the pandemic, especially at the World Health Organization.

Taipei says this has confused countries and led them to impose the same restrictions on&nbsp;Taiwanese travellers as on Chinese, and has minimised&nbsp;Taiwan's own successful efforts to control the virus and far lower case number.

Taiwan&nbsp;has been debating for years who it is and what exactly its relationship should be with China, including the island's name. But the pandemic has shot the issue back into the spotlight.

The government is also considering a name change - or at least a full redesign,&nbsp;for&nbsp;Taiwan's largest carrier, China Airlines, again to avoid confusion with China.

Fed up with being confused for China amid the coronavirus pandemic and Beijing's stepped-up efforts to assert sovereignty, Taiwan said on Wednesday it would redesign its passport to give greater prominence to the island's name.

Fed up with being confused for China amid the coronavirus pandemic and Beijing's stepped-up efforts to assert sovereignty, Taiwan said on Wednesday it would redesign its passport to give greater prominence to the island's name. Taiwan has complained during the outbreak that its nationals have encountered problems entering other countries, as Taiwanese passports have the words "Republic of China", its formal name, written in large English font at the top, with "Taiwan" printed at the bottom. Times change & so do passports. #TAIWAN🇹🇼 is front & center of the new design. Greater visibility equals easier recognition & less confusion. The country's passport is the 33rd best worldwide, affording holders visa privileges in 170 countries & regions! ➡️https://t.co/BIDqHtGkMh pic.twitter.com/vhe5Suwh62 — 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MOFA_Taiwan) September 2, 2020 × The new passport, expected to come into circulation in January, removes the large English words "Republic of China", though the name in Chinese characters will remain, and enlarges the word "Taiwan" in English. The design of the new Taiwan passport, due to apply from Jan 2021, is out. Sadly it does not feature any birds with bubble tea on their heads but does significantly enlarged the word “Taiwan” in English and relegate “Republic of China” to small text enclosing the national emblem. pic.twitter.com/iBLoQewxAP — Ryan Ho Kilpatrick 何松濤 (@rhokilpatrick) September 2, 2020 × Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said new passports were needed to prevent their nationals being mistaken for Chinese citizens, especially with the stepped up entry checks many countries have begun since the pandemic began. Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu unveils the new passport design in Taipei, Taiwan "Since the beginning of the Wuhan pneumonia outbreak this year our people have kept hoping that we can give more prominence to Taiwan's visibility, avoiding people mistakenly thinking they are from China," Wu told reporters. Also read: 'I am Taiwanese': Czech speaker channels Kennedy in Taiwan speech China claims democratic Taiwan as its sovereign territory, and says only it has the right to speak for the island internationally, a position it has pushed strongly during the pandemic, especially at the World Health Organization. Taipei says this has confused countries and led them to impose the same restrictions on Taiwanese travellers as on Chinese, and has minimised Taiwan's own successful efforts to control the virus and far lower case number. Taiwan has been debating for years who it is and what exactly its relationship should be with China, including the island's name. But the pandemic has shot the issue back into the spotlight. The government is also considering a name change - or at least a full redesign, for Taiwan's largest carrier, China Airlines, again to avoid confusion with China.

Now, Taiwan unveils new passport design to resolve China confusion

Taiwan plans to stop local sales for Chinese internet television streaming services operated by the likes of iQiyi and Tencent Holdings, according to regulations released this week but does not plan on blocking the services.