A Chinese aircraft carrier has been spotted south of Taiwan, announces the defense department on the self-governing island.
The vessel is said to have entered waters near the Bashi Channel, which lies between Taiwan and the Philippines, and is expected to continue into the western Pacific Ocean.
Taiwan's military "maintains its readiness, prepared to respond as needed", says the defense department.
China has in recent years subjected democratic Taiwan – which it claims should be part of China – to increasingly harsh military and political pressure.
As recently as Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China against taking "provocative" measures against Taiwan.
