China sends jets and bombers near Taiwan as Beijing opposes island’s trade deal bid

Nuclear-capable bombers entered air defence zone, says Taipei, amid simmering row over competing bids to join regional trade agreement

China has voiced opposition to Taiwan joining a major trans-Pacific trade deal as it flew 24 planes - including two nuclear-capable bombers - into the self-ruled island's air defence zone, the biggest incursion in weeks, Taiwanese officials said.

Last week Beijing submitted its own application to become a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).