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A Chinese fighter jet approaching Taiwan (undated photo by the Taiwanese Ministry of Defense)
Photo: AP
A total of 28 Chinese government fighter jets flew to Taiwan on Tuesday, the Defense Ministry reported.
It is the largest number of jets China has ever sent to the island.
The Taiwanese Air Force responded with patrols to use defense systems to monitor the situation in the southwestern part of the island.
China's demonstration of power follows a joint final declaration by the G7 nations in which the countries called for a peaceful solution to the Taiwan conflict and emphasized the importance of peace and stability. A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the G7 had interfered in China's "internal affairs". Taiwan split off after a civil war in 1949 and has been self-governing ever since. China continues to view the island as part of its territory.
In recent years, China has increased diplomatic and military pressure as Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen refuses to give in to demands.
Since last year, China has been sending fighter jets to Taiwan almost every day to demonstrate the seriousness of the matter.
Previously, the largest maneuver had taken place in March when 25 jets flew to the island.
nek / ap