China Sends 103 Warplanes Toward Taiwan in Record Daily Incursion

In a significant escalation of tensions, China’s military sent 103 warplanes toward Taiwan in a 24-hour period, marking a new daily record in recent times, according to Taiwan’s defense ministry. The aircraft were observed between 6 a.m. on Sunday and 6 a.m. on Monday, but they turned back before reaching the island.

China has been conducting increasingly large military drills in the air and waters near Taiwan as tensions have risen between the two and with the United States, which opposes any attempt to change Taiwan’s status through force. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry referred to the Chinese actions as “harassment” and warned of the potential for escalating the current tense atmosphere.

China’s recent moves may be related to Taiwan’s upcoming presidential election in January, with China favoring opposition candidates who support working with the mainland.