Taiwan’s defense ministry has reported an extensive show of force by the Chinese military, with 59 aircraft and nine naval vessels conducting joint combat readiness patrols around Taiwan over a 24-hour period ending at 6 a.m. on Tuesday.

Of the reported sorties, 43 aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, maneuvering towards the island’s southwest and eastern regions. These patrols, though routine according to Beijing, were conducted on an unusually large scale this time.

The Chinese military’s increased presence comes amid rising geopolitical tensions. When questioned about the operation, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning defended the drills, stating they were a necessary response to forces “abetting and aiding Taiwan independence.” The remark was seemingly directed at the United States, which Beijing has repeatedly accused of interfering in cross-strait affairs.