Ankara: Chinese military jets flew around Taiwan on Tuesday as the island nation conducted a five-day military exercise, according to Taiwan's Defense Ministry. The ministry reported that People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft and nine naval vessels were detected operating around Taiwan.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry stated that "43 out of 59 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central, southwestern, and eastern air defense identification zone (ADIZ)." They also noted that two Chinese balloons were detected near the island. Beijing, which regards Taiwan as a "breakaway province," does not recognize either the median line or the ADIZ over the Taiwan Strait.

On Monday, China initiated military exercises around Taiwan, coinciding with Taipei's launch of its own five-day military drill named 'immediate response.' Taipei's exercises involve various aircraft and naval vessels aimed at "quickly countering sudden Chinese military actions," as reported by Focus Taiwan news.

A video shared by the Taiwanese Defense Ministry on the X platform depicted its armed forces "closely monitor maritime and aerial activities (and) joint operations to track and respond to PLA incursions." The ministry emphasized, "Our mission is to always be prepared to defend the nation."

Beijing declared on Monday that its military exercises around Taiwan are "a firm response to external forces who are hellbent on abetting and aiding 'Taiwan independence,' and a warning to 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces' unconscionable acts." Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stated that the "relevant military operation is necessary, lawful and legitimate in order to defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity."