Taiwan's defense ministry says a record number of Chinese military aircraft were spotted in airspace around Taiwan during a 24-hour period until Monday morning.

The ministry says a total of 103 aircraft operated around Taiwan in the 24 hours until 6 a.m. local time.

Of them, 40 crossed the median line between Taiwan and mainland China or entered the air defense identification zone southwest and southeast of Taiwan.

Some of the J-16 fighter jets and KJ-500 early warning and control aircraft flew over the Bashi Channel between Taiwan and the Philippines after crossing the median line, and reached the Pacific Ocean southeast of Taiwan.

Y-20 aerial refueling aircraft flew to waters off the Hengchun Peninsula, the southern tip of Taiwan's main island.

This is the first time the number of Chinese military aircraft detected in airspace around Taiwan has exceeded 100 in a single day since the ministry began releasing information in the current format.

The ministry said the continuous harassment by the Chinese military can easily escalate tensions and worsen regional security.

The ministry urged Chinese authorities to take responsibility and immediately stop destructive and unilateral action.