Taiwan's defense ministry says 71 aircraft and seven vessels of the Chinese military were detected around Taiwan during the 24-hour period to 6 a.m. on Monday. The Chinese military said the previous day it was holding drills in the area.

Taiwanese defense ministry said 47 of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's southwestern air defense identification zone.

The number of Chinese military planes detected around Taiwan in the 24-hour period set a record.

In August, 68 such aircraft were spotted after US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan.

China's People's Liberation Army's Eastern Theater Command described Sunday's drills as a resolute response to the current escalation of collusion and provocation from the US and Taiwan.

On December 15, the US Senate passed a bill that includes up to 10 billion dollars in military assistance for Taiwan over the next five years.

Taiwan's defense ministry criticized China's latest move, saying it highlighted its intention to use force to address differences and undermine regional peace and stability.