A swarm of jets entered Taiwan’s air defence zone on Thursday and included 12 J-16 fighters and two nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, the Taiwan defence ministry said. The worrying development forced the Island’s air force to scramble into the skies to warn off the Chinese aircraft, the ministry added.

       More than 100 Chinese aircraft have ventured into Taiwan airspace so far this year, according to the latest data.

       The latest flashpoint across the Taiwan Strait also comes just days after China flew 10 fighter jets across the region.

       China continues to ramp up the pressure on Taiwan and regards the island as a wayward Chinese province.

       Last week, the self-governing nation announced a $8.7 billion increase in military spending over the next five years.

       The boost to the defence budget, including funds for new missiles, comes on the back of growing tensions with Beijing.

       Taiwan’s defence ministry said: “The Chinese Communists have continued to invest heavily in national defence budgets, its military strength has grown rapidly, and it has frequently dispatched aircraft and ships to invade and harass our seas and airspace,

       "In the face of severe threats from the enemy, the nation's military is actively engaged in military building and preparation work, and it is urgent to obtain mature and rapid mass production weapons and equipment in a short period of time."

       This is a developing news story, more to follow.