<p>Taiwan&nbsp;Health Minister Chen Shih-chung has contracted COVID-19, and is feeling fine and isolating at home, the government said on Sunday.</p>

<p>Taiwan&nbsp;has been dealing with a surge of COVID-19 cases since the start of the year, driven by the more infectious Omicron variant, though numbers are beginning to level off.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-east-asia/mass-covid-testing-announced-for-beijings-chaoyang-district-amid-ferocious-outbreak-487540">Mass COVID-19 testing announced for Beijing's Chaoyang district amid 'ferocious' outbreak</a></strong></p>

<p>Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Centre, which Chen is also the head of, said that on Sunday morning he began feeling symptoms and carried out a home test, which was positive.</p>

<p>Chen has been the public face of the fight against COVID-19, appearing almost daily at news conferences.</p>

<p>While he is feeling fine he will remain at home, and his position as head of the command centre will temporarily be taken by Deputy Interior Minister Chen Tsung-yen, it added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Mainland China sees surge in COVID cases</strong></p>

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<p>The two Chens are not related.</p>

<p>Taiwan's presidential office said President Tsai Ing-wen had not recently met with Health Minister Chen, instead speaking with him by telephone, and wished him a speedy recovery.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beijing-delays-school-reopenings-after-new-covid-outbreak-487229">Beijing delays school reopenings after new Covid outbreak</a></strong></p>

<p>With more than 99 per cent&nbsp;of those infected with COVID-19 this year exhibiting no or mild symptoms, the government has relaxed rather than tightened restrictions in what it calls the "new&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;model".</p>

<p>On Saturday, the government said it would be reducing to three days from seven the mandatory quarantine for all arrivals into&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as it looks to gradually fully re-open the borders.</p>

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Taiwan Health Minister Chen Shih-chung has contracted COVID-19, and is feeling fine and isolating at home, the government said on Sunday. Taiwan has been dealing with a surge of COVID-19 cases since the start of the year, driven by the more infectious Omicron variant, though numbers are beginning to level off.

Taiwan Health Minister Chen Shih-chung has contracted COVID-19, and is feeling fine and isolating at home, the government said on Sunday. Taiwan has been dealing with a surge of COVID-19 cases since the start of the year, driven by the more infectious Omicron variant, though numbers are beginning to level off. Also read | Mass COVID-19 testing announced for Beijing's Chaoyang district amid 'ferocious' outbreak Taiwan's Central Epidemic Command Centre, which Chen is also the head of, said that on Sunday morning he began feeling symptoms and carried out a home test, which was positive. Chen has been the public face of the fight against COVID-19, appearing almost daily at news conferences. While he is feeling fine he will remain at home, and his position as head of the command centre will temporarily be taken by Deputy Interior Minister Chen Tsung-yen, it added. Watch | Mainland China sees surge in COVID cases The two Chens are not related. Taiwan's presidential office said President Tsai Ing-wen had not recently met with Health Minister Chen, instead speaking with him by telephone, and wished him a speedy recovery. Also read | Beijing delays school reopenings after new Covid outbreak With more than 99 per cent of those infected with COVID-19 this year exhibiting no or mild symptoms, the government has relaxed rather than tightened restrictions in what it calls the "new Taiwan model". On Saturday, the government said it would be reducing to three days from seven the mandatory quarantine for all arrivals into Taiwan as it looks to gradually fully re-open the borders. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan's health minister contracts COVID-19, feeling fine

The final day of the 19th edition of the Shangri-la dialogue is currently underway in Singapore and as was anticipated, the simmering tensions between China and the US and their war of words over Taiwan's autonomy continue to occupy the centre stage of the security summit.

The final day of security summit underway

<p>In a strongly worded response to his American counterpart, China's State Councilor and Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe has said that the strategy of the United States for the Indo-Pacific region is fueling future conflict.</p>

<p>Highlighting that the ties between the two superpowers are at a critical juncture, Fenghe said that is up to the United States to improve the bilateral relationship.</p>

<p>Addressing Asia's premier security meeting, the Shangri-La Dialogue, Fenghe urged the US to stop ''smearing and containing China''.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Amid soaring tensions with the United States over the island, Fenghe said China will "fight to the very end" to stop Taiwan from declaring independence.</p>

<p>Suggesting at Asia’s premier defense forum that recent Chinese military activity around the self-governing island threatens to change the status quo, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin stressed American support for Taiwan.</p>

<p>He had slammed China's “steady increase in provocative and destabilising military activity near Taiwan.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-defence-secretary-lloyd-austin-slams-chinas-destabilising-military-activity-near-taiwan-487110">US Defence Secy slams China's 'destabilising' military activity near Taiwan</a></strong></p>

<p>Aimed at intimidating it into accepting Beijing’s demands to unify with the communist mainland, China has stepped up its military provocations against democratic Taiwan in recent years.</p>

<p>Although China claims Taiwan as a part of its territory, the two had split during a civil war in 1949. Beijing has warned not to underestimate its resolve to safeguard its national interests and said those who support Taiwan's independence will face adverse consequences.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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In a strongly worded response to his American counterpart, China's State Councilor and Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe has said that the strategy of the United States for the Indo-Pacific region is fueling future conflict.

In a strongly worded response to his American counterpart, China's State Councilor and Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe has said that the strategy of the United States for the Indo-Pacific region is fueling future conflict. Highlighting that the ties between the two superpowers are at a critical juncture, Fenghe said that is up to the United States to improve the bilateral relationship. Addressing Asia's premier security meeting, the Shangri-La Dialogue, Fenghe urged the US to stop ''smearing and containing China''. Amid soaring tensions with the United States over the island, Fenghe said China will "fight to the very end" to stop Taiwan from declaring independence. Suggesting at Asia’s premier defense forum that recent Chinese military activity around the self-governing island threatens to change the status quo, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin stressed American support for Taiwan. He had slammed China's “steady increase in provocative and destabilising military activity near Taiwan.” Also read | US Defence Secy slams China's 'destabilising' military activity near Taiwan Aimed at intimidating it into accepting Beijing’s demands to unify with the communist mainland, China has stepped up its military provocations against democratic Taiwan in recent years. Although China claims Taiwan as a part of its territory, the two had split during a civil war in 1949. Beijing has warned not to underestimate its resolve to safeguard its national interests and said those who support Taiwan's independence will face adverse consequences. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

US strategy for Indo-Pacific region fueling future conflict: China

Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe said that it is up to the United States to improve the bilateral relationship between US and China as ties are at a Critical Juncture. The final day of the 19th edition of the Shangri-la dialogue is currently underway in Singapore.

19th Shangri-La Dialogue: 'US should stop interfering in China's matters,' says Wei Fenghe

The final day of Shangri-La dialogue underway: China remains firm on Taiwan issue

The American and Chinese defense ministers have held their first face-to-face talks in Singapore. Beijing has said that it will not hesitate to start a war if Taiwan declares independence, he further added that ' if anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese army won't hesitate to start a war.'

'if anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, we won't hesitate to start a war,' China's warning to US?

'Won't hesitate to start a war': China's warning to the US over Taiwan

The situation between China and Taiwan remains tense. The American and Chinese defense ministers have held their first face-to-face talks in Singapore. Chinese President Xi Jinping said, "won't hesitate to start war" if Taiwan declares independence.

War of words: China issues a stark warning to US on Taiwan

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news, top headlines and international breakings from all across the globe, stay tuned with Gravitas for more!

Gravitas Global Headlines: China warns United States over Taiwan; Russia-Ukraine war

<p>Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe warned US on Friday that Beijing will "not hesitate to start a war" in the event of Taiwan declaring independence. The warning came as he held his first face-to-face meeting with his US counterpart, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. The meet took place on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore.</p>

<p>Taiwan has its own government but China views the island nation as part of its own territory.</p>

<p>Wei warned Austin that "if anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese army will definitely not hesitate to start a war no matter the cost", defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian quoted the minister as saying during the meeting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese minister vowed that Beijing would "smash to smithereens any 'Taiwan independence' plot and resolutely uphold the unification of the motherland", according to the Chinese defence ministry.</p>

<p>He "stressed that Taiwan is China's Taiwan... Using Taiwan to contain China will never prevail", the ministry said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Austin "reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the (Taiwan) Strait, opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo, and called on (China) to refrain from further destabilising actions toward Taiwan", according to the US Department of Defense.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-greenlights-usd-120-million-sale-for-taiwanese-warships-486723">US greenlights USD 120 million sale for Taiwanese warships</a></strong></p>

<p>Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) has seen repeated violations from Chinese fighter jets.</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden, during a visit to Japan last month, appeared to break decades of US policy when, in response to a question, he said Washington would defend Taiwan militarily if it is attacked by China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The White House has since insisted its policy of "strategic ambiguity" over whether or not it would intervene has not changed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe warned US on Friday that Beijing will "not hesitate to start a war" in the event of Taiwan declaring independence. The warning came as he held his first face-to-face meeting with his US counterpart, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe warned US on Friday that Beijing will "not hesitate to start a war" in the event of Taiwan declaring independence. The warning came as he held his first face-to-face meeting with his US counterpart, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin. The meet took place on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore. Taiwan has its own government but China views the island nation as part of its own territory. Wei warned Austin that "if anyone dares to split Taiwan from China, the Chinese army will definitely not hesitate to start a war no matter the cost", defence ministry spokesman Wu Qian quoted the minister as saying during the meeting. The Chinese minister vowed that Beijing would "smash to smithereens any 'Taiwan independence' plot and resolutely uphold the unification of the motherland", according to the Chinese defence ministry. He "stressed that Taiwan is China's Taiwan... Using Taiwan to contain China will never prevail", the ministry said. Austin "reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the (Taiwan) Strait, opposition to unilateral changes to the status quo, and called on (China) to refrain from further destabilising actions toward Taiwan", according to the US Department of Defense. Also Read | US greenlights USD 120 million sale for Taiwanese warships Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ) has seen repeated violations from Chinese fighter jets. US President Joe Biden, during a visit to Japan last month, appeared to break decades of US policy when, in response to a question, he said Washington would defend Taiwan militarily if it is attacked by China. The White House has since insisted its policy of "strategic ambiguity" over whether or not it would intervene has not changed. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

China talks tough, says will 'not hesitate to start war' over Taiwan

<p>After meeting Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin slammed Beijing's "provocative, destabilising" military activity near Taiwan.</p>

<p>Highlighting China's growing aggression across the wider Asia-Pacific region, Austin said the United States will continue to stand by its allies.</p>

<p>In an address to the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Austin "We've witnessed a steady increase in provocative and destabilising military activity near Taiwan."</p>

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<p>"That includes (Chinese military) aircraft flying near Taiwan in record numbers in recent months, and nearly on a daily basis," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We categorically oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-talks-tough-says-will-not-hesitate-to-start-war-over-taiwan-487070" hreflang="en">China talks tough, says will 'not hesitate to start war' over Taiwan</a></strong></p>

<p>China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own, has warned Austin that it is prepared to go to war if the island declares independence.</p>

<p>Denouncing China's "absurd" claims of sovereignty, Taiwan's foreign ministry thanked the United States for its support.</p>

<p>Calling Austin's speech a "confrontation", Lt Gen Zhang Zhenzhong, Vice Chief of the joint staff department of China's Central Military Commission, said, "There were many unfounded accusations against China; we expressed our strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to these false accusations."</p>

<p>With increasing Chinese military aircraft incursions into the island's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), tensions over Taiwan have escalated between the US and China.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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After meeting Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin slammed Beijing's "provocative, destabilising" military activity near Taiwan.

After meeting Chinese Defence Minister Wei Fenghe, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin slammed Beijing's "provocative, destabilising" military activity near Taiwan. Highlighting China's growing aggression across the wider Asia-Pacific region, Austin said the United States will continue to stand by its allies. In an address to the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, Austin "We've witnessed a steady increase in provocative and destabilising military activity near Taiwan." "That includes (Chinese military) aircraft flying near Taiwan in record numbers in recent months, and nearly on a daily basis," he said. "We categorically oppose any unilateral changes to the status quo from either side," he added. Also read | China talks tough, says will 'not hesitate to start war' over Taiwan China, which claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own, has warned Austin that it is prepared to go to war if the island declares independence. Denouncing China's "absurd" claims of sovereignty, Taiwan's foreign ministry thanked the United States for its support. Calling Austin's speech a "confrontation", Lt Gen Zhang Zhenzhong, Vice Chief of the joint staff department of China's Central Military Commission, said, "There were many unfounded accusations against China; we expressed our strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to these false accusations." With increasing Chinese military aircraft incursions into the island's air defence identification zone (ADIZ), tensions over Taiwan have escalated between the US and China. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin slams China's 'destabilising' military activity near Taiwan

<p>The US has given go-ahead for a possible sale of parts worth USD 120 million to help Taiwan maintain its warships. Such maintenance will keep up the island nation's combat readiness against China.</p>

<p>China considers Taiwan to be its own region and has not ruled out use of force.</p>

<p>The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency said it had delivered the required certification notifying Congress following State Department approval for the sale, which was requested by Taiwan's de facto embassy in Washington.</p>

<p>The agency said that this sale covered unclassified spare and repair parts for ships and ship systems, logistical technical assistance, and US&nbsp;government and contractor representative technical and logistical support.</p>

<p>"The proposed sale will contribute to the sustainment of the recipient's surface vessel fleet, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats," the agency said in a statement, adding that the parts would be sourced from "approved U.S. Navy vendors and/or US. Navy stock".</p>

<p>According to Taiwan's defence ministry, the will come into effect within a month. It expressed its thanks to Washington for its support.</p>

<p>In recent past, Chinese incursions in Taiwan's Air Defence Zone (ADZ) have increased. Taiwan says that this was part of China's 'grey' warfare meant to put strain on Taiwan's defences.</p>

<p>"In view of the recent frequent activities of Chinese warships in the sea and airspace around our country, the ship parts that the United States has agreed to sell will help maintain the proper equipment and consumption of our naval ships and meet the actual needs of combat readiness tasks," said Taiwanese defence ministry.</p>

<p>Neither side gave details of the parts Taiwan would be receiving.</p>

<p>Most of Taiwan's main warships are US-made or designed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The US has given go-ahead for a possible sale of parts worth USD 120 million to help Taiwan maintain its warships. Such maintenance will keep up the island nation's combat readiness against China.

The US has given go-ahead for a possible sale of parts worth USD 120 million to help Taiwan maintain its warships. Such maintenance will keep up the island nation's combat readiness against China. China considers Taiwan to be its own region and has not ruled out use of force. The US Defence Security Cooperation Agency said it had delivered the required certification notifying Congress following State Department approval for the sale, which was requested by Taiwan's de facto embassy in Washington. The agency said that this sale covered unclassified spare and repair parts for ships and ship systems, logistical technical assistance, and US government and contractor representative technical and logistical support. "The proposed sale will contribute to the sustainment of the recipient's surface vessel fleet, enhancing its ability to meet current and future threats," the agency said in a statement, adding that the parts would be sourced from "approved U.S. Navy vendors and/or US. Navy stock". According to Taiwan's defence ministry, the will come into effect within a month. It expressed its thanks to Washington for its support. In recent past, Chinese incursions in Taiwan's Air Defence Zone (ADZ) have increased. Taiwan says that this was part of China's 'grey' warfare meant to put strain on Taiwan's defences. "In view of the recent frequent activities of Chinese warships in the sea and airspace around our country, the ship parts that the United States has agreed to sell will help maintain the proper equipment and consumption of our naval ships and meet the actual needs of combat readiness tasks," said Taiwanese defence ministry. Neither side gave details of the parts Taiwan would be receiving. Most of Taiwan's main warships are US-made or designed. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US greenlights USD 120 million sale for Taiwanese warships

Taiwan has got support from Europe. French lawmakers visited Taiwan. However, China has denounced the French lawmakers' visit.

Taiwan draws support from Europe as French lawmakers visit Taiwan

The United States has approved the sale of ship parts to Taiwan worth 120 million dollars, the step comes amid rising threats of a Chinese invasion of the island of Taiwan. The country's defense ministry says that the step could ensure combat readiness in the face of China's frequent activities near the island.

United States approves $120 million for Taiwan warships

The pandemic has led to a lot of trends across the globe like Dalgona coffee one, but what about growing your own food? Taiwan's newest pandemic hobby seems to be growing not just vegetables but fish too. Know what aquaponics is all about.

Farming without soil: Taiwan records rise in Aquaponics sale

As the war in Ukraine continues, China is escalating the threat of an invasion in Taiwan. The PLA has ramped-up drills. The top brass of the PLA could be reshuffled. A Commander "familiar with battle plans against Taiwan" could be promoted. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: China escalates threat of Taiwan invasion

Amid a ragging war between Russia and Ukraine Taiwanese have started taking shooting lessons. From tour guides to tattoo artists, people in Taiwan are picking up rifles for the first time in their lives.

More seek gun training in Taiwan as Ukraine invasion fuels China fears

<p>The Chinese military claimed on Wednesday that it had undertaken a battle readiness patrol in recent days in the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory.</p>

<p>According to a Chinese military statement, the troops have continued to improve their training and war readiness, and will thwart any external meddling or trick aimed at achieving "Taiwan independence."</p>

<p>China's air force made its greatest incursion into Taiwan's air defence zone since January, according to Taiwanese officials. In the latest flare-up of tensions, Taiwanese fighters raced to scare away 30 aircraft, according to the island's defence ministry.</p>

<p>Beijing has began sending huge sorties into Taiwan's defence zone in recent years to express dissatisfaction and to put Taipei's ageing fighter force under regular stress.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wang-yi-visit-journalists-blocked-from-covering-events-in-pacific-483852">Wang Yi visit: Journalists blocked from covering events in Pacific?</a></strong></p>

<p>Democratically self-governing Taiwan is constantly threatened by invasion by China, which considers the island to be its territory and has threatened to take it by force if necessary.</p>

<p>Last week, the US accused Beijing of inflaming tensions over the island, citing aircraft incursions as an example of "increasingly provocative rhetoric and conduct," according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.</p>

<p>Blinken's comments come after US President Joe Biden appeared to defy decades of US policy when he declared, in answer to a question during a visit to Japan, that if Taiwan was invaded by China, Washington would defend it militarily.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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The Chinese military claimed on Wednesday that it had undertaken a battle readiness patrol in recent days in the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory.

The Chinese military claimed on Wednesday that it had undertaken a battle readiness patrol in recent days in the sea and airspace surrounding Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory. According to a Chinese military statement, the troops have continued to improve their training and war readiness, and will thwart any external meddling or trick aimed at achieving "Taiwan independence." China's air force made its greatest incursion into Taiwan's air defence zone since January, according to Taiwanese officials. In the latest flare-up of tensions, Taiwanese fighters raced to scare away 30 aircraft, according to the island's defence ministry. Beijing has began sending huge sorties into Taiwan's defence zone in recent years to express dissatisfaction and to put Taipei's ageing fighter force under regular stress. Also Read | Wang Yi visit: Journalists blocked from covering events in Pacific? Democratically self-governing Taiwan is constantly threatened by invasion by China, which considers the island to be its territory and has threatened to take it by force if necessary. Last week, the US accused Beijing of inflaming tensions over the island, citing aircraft incursions as an example of "increasingly provocative rhetoric and conduct," according to Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken's comments come after US President Joe Biden appeared to defy decades of US policy when he declared, in answer to a question during a visit to Japan, that if Taiwan was invaded by China, Washington would defend it militarily. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese military says it conducted readiness patrol around island of Taiwan

America has a new hero, who is not afraid to take on China. Captain Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell returns for the sequel, sporting a bomber jacket that shows Taiwan's flag. Molly Gambhir tells you how this move could anger China.

WION Fineprint | 'Maverick' takes on China, sports jacket with Taiwan's flag

China sent 30 warplanes into Taiwan's air defence zone ahead of a high-profile visit by US Senator Tammy Duckworth. What do these incursions reveal about China's game plan? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: China sends 30 warplanes into Taiwan air defence zone

In the latest uptick in China-Taiwan tensions, At least 30 Chinese aircraft entered Taiwanese airspace. The US says it will send military if China attacks.

At least 30 Chinese aircraft enter Taiwanese airspace in latest uptick in China-Taiwan tensions

<p>Taiwan scrambled fighter jets in response to Chinese military aircraft entering its air defence zone (ADIZ), said Taiwan's defence ministry. It was the largest such incursion by Chinese fighter planes since January this year. Taiwan's fighter jets warned away 30 Chinese aircraft. ADIZ near Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands was violated by Chinese military planes.</p>

<p>China claims Taiwan to be its own territory. Taiwan has said that it wants peace with China but will defend itself if attacked.</p>

<p>Taiwan has been complaining for past two years of repeated presence of Chinese fighter planes in ADIZ.</p>

<p>Taiwan calls China's repeated nearby military activities "grey zone" warfare, designed to both wear out Taiwan's forces by making them repeatedly scramble, and also to test Taiwan's responses.</p>

<p>The latest Chinese incursion included 22 fighter planes and also electronic warfare, early warning and antisubmarine aircraft, the Taiwan ministry said.<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch | Talks between Chinese FM Wang Yi &amp; ten pacific island countries fail to reach an agreement</strong></p>

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<p>According to a map made available by the ministry, Chinese aircraft flew in an area northeast of the Pratas.</p>

<p>Taiwan sent combat aircraft to warn away the Chinese aircraft, while missile systems were deployed to monitor them, the ministry said.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crooked-mouth-squinting-eyes-chinese-netizens-slam-childrens-textbooks-over-ugly-illustration-483572">'Crooked mouth, squinting eyes': Chinese netizens slam children's textbooks over 'ugly illustration'</a></strong></p>

<p>It was the largest incursion since Taiwan reported 39 Chinese aircraft in its ADIZ on Jan. 23.</p>

<p>There was no immediate comment from China, which has in the past said such moves were drills aimed at protecting the country's sovereignty.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Taiwan scrambled fighter jets in response to Chinese military aircraft entering its air defence zone (ADIZ), said Taiwan's defence ministry. It was the largest such incursion by Chinese fighter planes since January this year.

Taiwan scrambled fighter jets in response to Chinese military aircraft entering its air defence zone (ADIZ), said Taiwan's defence ministry. It was the largest such incursion by Chinese fighter planes since January this year. Taiwan's fighter jets warned away 30 Chinese aircraft. ADIZ near Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands was violated by Chinese military planes. China claims Taiwan to be its own territory. Taiwan has said that it wants peace with China but will defend itself if attacked. Taiwan has been complaining for past two years of repeated presence of Chinese fighter planes in ADIZ. Taiwan calls China's repeated nearby military activities "grey zone" warfare, designed to both wear out Taiwan's forces by making them repeatedly scramble, and also to test Taiwan's responses. The latest Chinese incursion included 22 fighter planes and also electronic warfare, early warning and antisubmarine aircraft, the Taiwan ministry said. Watch | Talks between Chinese FM Wang Yi & ten pacific island countries fail to reach an agreement × According to a map made available by the ministry, Chinese aircraft flew in an area northeast of the Pratas. Taiwan sent combat aircraft to warn away the Chinese aircraft, while missile systems were deployed to monitor them, the ministry said. Also Read | 'Crooked mouth, squinting eyes': Chinese netizens slam children's textbooks over 'ugly illustration' It was the largest incursion since Taiwan reported 39 Chinese aircraft in its ADIZ on Jan. 23. There was no immediate comment from China, which has in the past said such moves were drills aimed at protecting the country's sovereignty. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

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