Taiwan reports record Chinese incursions into its air defence zone

Defence ministry says it detected at least 56 flights hours after US urged Beijing to cease provocative' activity

China sent a record number of military aircraft into Taiwan's air defence zone on Monday, the fourth consecutive day of such air incursions by Beijing amid growing fears of further escalation.

Taiwan's ministry of defence said it had detected at least 52 flights during daylight hours on Monday, including 36 fighter jets, 12 H-6 bombers, two transport aircraft and two surveillance aircraft. Late on Monday it reported another four fighter jets crossing into the zone after dark.