Nine Chinese aircraft entered Taiwan's air defense zone, prompting the country to scramble its fighter jets.

• On Thursday, Taiwan's air force was scrambled once more to deter nine Chinese aircraft from entering its air defense zone, according to the defense ministry.
• On the day Russia invaded Ukraine, a crisis was closely monitored in Taipei.
• Despite China's claim of ownership over Taiwan, the island nation has consistently protested against the Chinese air force's routine aerial activities in the region, even though the aircraft do not approach Taiwan directly.

On Thursday, Taiwan's air force was scrambled to deter nine Chinese aircraft from entering its air defense zone, as Russia invaded Ukraine, a crisis closely monitored in Taipei.

Despite China's claim of ownership over Taiwan, the island nation has consistently protested against the Chinese air force's routine aerial activities in the region, even though the aircraft do not approach Taiwan directly.

Since the last large-scale incursion on Jan. 23, the number of Chinese aircraft involved in fly-bys has been sporadic and significantly fewer.

The latest mission involved eight Chinese J-16 fighters and one Y-8 reconnaissance aircraft, which flew over an area to the northeast of the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands at the top end of the South China Sea.

The ministry stated that Taiwanese fighters were dispatched to alert Chinese aircraft, and air defense missiles were deployed to "observe the actions," using the standard language Taiwan employs to describe its reaction.

Taiwan is cautiously monitoring the Ukraine conflict, concerned that China may seize the opportunity to assert control over the island.

The government has increased its alert level in Taipei, despite no reports of unusual Chinese force movements.

Beijing consistently rejects any peaceful resolution to its dispute with Taiwan and frequently criticizes American weapons sales or other forms of support from Washington.

When questioned about China's stance on the new U.S. Indo-Pacific strategy, Chinese Defense Ministry spokesperson Tan Kefei emphasized that Taiwan is a crucial matter for China and any foreign interference will not be tolerated.

Tan urged the U.S. side to acknowledge the sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, cease interference in China's internal affairs, and refrain from playing with fire on the Taiwan issue.

The Biden administration pledged to increase diplomatic and security investments in the Indo-Pacific region, as outlined in the 12-page strategy overview released this month.

In the strait separating Taiwan from China, Washington pledged to collaborate with both regional and international partners to preserve peace and stability, according to a statement.