China Sends 28 Warplanes Into Taiwan's Air Defense Zone in Largest Show of Force as Tensions Escalate

The Chinese military on Tuesday reportedly sent 28 aircraft, including nuclear-capable bombers and J-16 fighters, into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ), marking the largest recent show of force by Beijing in the region.

Taiwanese aircraft were dispatched to confront or warn away the large show of military force into Taiwan, which comes as U.S. Navy aircraft carriers including the Japan-based U.S.S. Ronald Reagan entered the disputed South China Sea.

Maps released by Taiwan's Defense Ministry on Tuesday showed 28 warplanes led the incursion as growing tensions have mounted over the island country that Chinese government officials see as part of the mainland.

Taiwan's air force warned China of "consequences" for the largest-known incursion to date, which follows last week's G7 summit discussions which urged "the peaceful resolution of cross-Strait issues."

Beijing did not offer any immediate statements over the incursion. U.S. military officials said the South China Sea movement of the aircraft carrier was simply a "routine mission."

A similar military exercise was conducted by the Chinese in late January, which reportedly simulated a strike on a U.S. aircraft carrier in the region. Taiwan officials said they believe the Chinese military uses such drills as "access denial" maneuvers.

The move by the Chinese military came after a brief lull in the number of Chinese sorties into the ADIZ and topped the previous record of 25 warplanes that entered the area in April. The warplanes used included fourteen J-16 and J-11 fighters as well as four H-6 heavy bombers, which have nuclear capabilities.

Several surveillance aircraft were also attached, Taiwan's Defense Ministry said in a statement Tuesday.

Chinese government leaders described last week's G7 discussions about peace and stability around Taiwan as "slander."

The U.S. no longer formally recognizes Taiwan as an independent government, but the Taiwan Relations Act requires the U.S. military to provide Taipei with the means to defend itself in case of attack.

Earlier this month, three U.S. senators stopped into Taiwan briefly in a move condemned by Chinese Communist Party officials as an underhanded military aid drop. Washington officials, however, said the brief stop-in was not intended to flex military might but to drop off COVID-19 vaccines and supplies.

Tensions between China and the U.S. have steadily increased for at least the past four years, with Taiwan caught in the middle of diplomatic spats.

Newsweek reached out to Chinese diplomatic officials in Washington for any additional remarks Tuesday.