TAIPEI, Reuters – Taiwan’s Air Force scrambled on Monday to alert 52 Chinese planes that had entered its air defense zone. This was the highest number reported to Taiwan by the defence ministry and fourth consecutive day of incursions from China.

Chinese-claimed Taiwan complains for more than a decade about China’s repeated air strikes near democratically controlled Taiwan, frequently in the southern part of China’s air defense zone. This is close to Taiwan-controlled Pratas islands.

Since Friday’s celebration of China’s national day, China has been ramping up its military operations. In the span of just four days, almost 150 aircraft flew into its defence zone.

According to the ministry, 34 J-16 fighters were involved in this mission, and 12 H-6 bombers with nuclear capability flew in the area around the Pratas Islands.

It added that Taiwanese fighter planes were on the alert to stop Chinese aircrafts. Missile systems were also deployed to watch them.

China was urged by the United States to cease its provocative military actions near Taiwan on Sunday. Meanwhile, Beijing has been condemned by the government of Taiwan.

China is yet to respond. On Monday, calls to China’s Defence Ministry went unanswered. China is currently on the middle of its weeklong National Day holiday.