Taiwan`s Ministry of National Defence (MND) on Wednesday said it detected 77 Chinese military aircraft and 17 naval vessels operating around the island as of 6 am local time, amid ongoing military drills by China`s People`s Liberation Army (PLA). In a post on X, the MND said that 35 of the 77 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan`s northern, central and southwestern Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ).

"77 PLA aircraft, 17 PLAN vessels and 8 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 35 out of 77 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan`s northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded," the ministry said.