China flies 103 military planes toward Taiwan in a new high of activity the island calls harassment

Taiwan Warns of Escalation , After China Sends Over , 100 Warplanes Toward Island. Taiwan's defense ministry said that China's military had deployed 103 warplanes towards Taiwan over a 24-hour period. NBC reports that the planes, which turned back before reaching Taiwan, were detected between 6 a.m. on September 17 and 6 a.m. on September 18. . Over the same period of time, nine naval vessels were also detected, according to Taiwan's Defense Ministry. The Defense Ministry said that 40 of the planes crossed over the symbolic halfway point between Taiwan and mainland China. Tensions have been rising amid China's increasingly large military drills around Taiwan. . The United States is Taiwan's main supplier of arms and stands opposed to China's push to change Taiwan's status by force. According to Taiwan, the latest Chinese military action, which is labeled as "harassment," could lead to an escalation. . We urge the Beijing authorities to bear responsibility and immediately stop such kind of destructive military activities, Taiwan Defense Ministry, via NBC. Last week, China deployed a flotilla of ships, including the aircraft carrier Shandong, into the waters near Taiwan. NBC reports that the recent actions have been perceived as an attempt to sway an upcoming Taiwanese presidential election in January.