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Taiwan’s defense ministry reported the detection of 18 Chinese air force planes performing “joint combat readiness patrols” alongside Chinese warships near the island on Wednesday. The escalation occurred after Taiwan elected Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as president, a choice criticized by Beijing as a move towards separatism and conflict.

The Taiwanese defense ministry observed the Chinese aircraft, including Su-30 fighters, operating off the northern and central coasts and to the southwest of the island starting around 7:50 p.m. local time. Eleven of these aircraft crossed the Taiwan Strait’s median line or its vicinity, collaborating with Chinese warships for “joint combat readiness patrols.” Although the median line of the strait was historically an unofficial buffer, Chinese aircraft regularly transgress it, with China dismissing its existence.

In response, Taiwan deployed its own forces for surveillance and emphasized the significance of the Taiwan Strait region’s security and prosperity for global development and stability. The defense ministry said it was committed to fortifying its self-defense capabilities against regional threats. No immediate reaction was reported from China’s defense ministry.

This comes as China’s Taiwan Affairs Office reiterated its stance of not ruling out force to unify Taiwan, targeting foreign interference and separatist elements. The office also called for dispelling Taiwanese “biases” against China.

President-elect Lai, set to assume office on May 20, has consistently sought dialogue with China, advocating for peace and asserting that only Taiwan’s citizens can determine their future.