Taiwan told China on Monday to stop its "destructive unilateral actions" after more than 100 Chinese warplanes and nine navy ships were detected in areas around the self-ruled island.

The Ministry of National Defense of Taiwan expressed grave concerns on Monday over the increased military activity of China after it reportedly detected more than 100 Chinese warplanes around the island within a 24-hour period.

According to the ministry, the planes were detected from 6 a.m. on Sunday and 6 a.m. on Monday, heading towards Taiwan and then turning back before reaching the island. 

The ministry also urged Beijing to halt its unilateral actions immediately and warned that China's continued military aggression could further worsen regional security.

Forty of the Chinese aircraft were reported to have crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait between mainland China and the island.

China considers Taiwan part of its own territory and has regularly carried out military drills around the self-ruled island. It has not discounted using force to take control of the territory.

Last week China sent naval vessels including the aircraft carrier Shandong into waters near Taiwan. The drills came shortly after the US and Canada sailed warships through the Taiwan Strait.

The US is the largest supplier of arms to Taiwan and opposes any attempt to change Taiwan's status by force.

The ministry called China's actions "harassment" and warned it could escalate under the current tense circumstances. "We urge the Beijing authorities to bear responsibility and immediately stop such kind of destructive military activities," it said in a statement.

China's defence ministry has not provided any immediate response.

On the other hand, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly met over the weekend in the Mediterranean island nation of Malta to discuss key issues, including Taiwan.
"The United States (US) noted the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait