Two Chinese warplanes crossed the center line of the Taiwan Strait, which separates the island from mainland China, on Saturday, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said. He added that a total of four Chinese aircraft and five ships were spotted around Taiwan. China has been conducting military maneuvers around the island since early August, which it considers an integral part of its territory.

China staged massive military maneuvers around Taiwan last month following a visit by US Speaker Nancy Pelosi to show US support for the island democracy.

These military maneuvers crystallize tensions between China and Taiwan against the backdrop of US support. This support is critical as the United States prepares to provide more than $1 billion in arms to Taiwan.

Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said in a statement that such arms sales “Relations between the two countries and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait have been greatly affected.”. “China will take all necessary and lawful measures considering the evolving situation”He declared. The plan would have to be scrutinized by the US Congress, but Democratic and Republican advisers estimated it would face no opposition.