Taiwan tracks second Chinese 'combat' patrol in a week, sends ships and jets

Taiwan sent ships and fighter jets to monitor the second Chinese "joint combat readiness patrol" in a week near the island, as Taipei steps up its guard

over Beijing's activities.



China has pressured Taiwan by increasing its military presence around the island, and Taipei is on high alert for

further Chinese actions after President Xi Jinping discussed Taiwan with U.S. President Donald Trump in Beijing this month.



China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, and operates its warships and warplanes around the island on an almost daily basis.



Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims.



Late on Monday, Taiwan's defence ministry said it had detected 21 Chinese aircraft, including J-16 fighters and

drones, operating all around the island, which, along with warships, were carrying out a "joint combat readiness patrol".



China's defence ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.