Taiwanese authorities on alert for Chinese aircraft carrier sailing off Taiwan
Taiwan's defense ministry says it is on high alert for the Chinese navy aircraft carrier Liaoning sailing in waters off Taiwan's southeast.
A ministry official made the announcement at a news conference on Wednesday.
Chinese aircraft carriers are said to be frequently deployed off Taiwan's east coast when China's military conducts drills.
The official stressed that the ministry is totally aware of the situation and closely monitoring China's every move. But it declined to comment on military exercises.
The Taiwanese authorities said a Chinese government vessel and nine navy ships, as well as 31 sorties of fighter jets, drones and other aircraft were spotted around Taiwan in the 24 hours up to 6 a.m. on Wednesday.
They said some of the aircraft entered airspace in the north, center, southwest and east of Taiwan.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te vowed to enhance defense capabilities at his news conference last week marking one year in office. He apparently had Beijing's increasing military pressure on Taiwan in mind.
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