China sends warships, jets close to Taiwan as tensions rise in strait
CNN
Chinese warships and aircraft conducted military drills in waters near Taiwan Friday, crossing the sensitive median line, said Taiwan's defense ministry, as tensions escalated in the region after the US House Speaker's visit to the island.
The ministry said Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) forces crossed the median line -- the halfway point between the island and mainland China -- in a move it called a "highly provocative act." The line has previously been an informal but largely respected border of control between Beijing and Taipei.
Taiwan's military responded with radio warnings and put air patrol forces, naval ships and shore-based missile systems on alert, the ministry added.
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