13 Feb

Three US military aircraft flew close to Taiwan on Wednesday in an apparent move aimed at keeping Beijing in check as it continues military pressure on the island.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense says a US MC-130 special mission aircraft flew north to south along the Taiwan Strait, and two US B-52 bombers skirted Taiwan's east coast, also heading north to south.

The flyovers come after Chinese bombers and other aircraft flew near Taiwan on Sunday and Monday.

Taiwan says some of the planes briefly crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait and entered Taiwan's airspace.

The administration of US President Donald Trump is deepening ties with Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-wen of the Democratic Progressive Party, who has taken a firm stance toward Beijing, won re-election in January.

NHK