Over 40 Chinese military aircraft conducted a flight over Taiwan's air defense zone during military exercises on Saturday, which Taiwan criticized as "provocative and irrational".

The Taiwanese Ministry of Defense reported that around 26 of these aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait.

The exercises were seen as an attempt by Beijing to impact Taiwan's upcoming election. China stated that the drills were intended to test its military forces' ability to operate in combat conditions.

The People's Liberation Army conducted joint air and sea patrols and military exercises near Taiwan, aiming to send a stern warning against "Taiwan independence" activities and foreign involvement, according to military spokesperson Shi Yi.

This move followed China's displeasure with Taiwan's vice president, William Lai, visiting the United States. Despite Taiwan's self-governance, China claims sovereignty over the island.

Taiwan's defense ministry criticized China's military exercises as irrational and provocative and pledged to respond with appropriate actions.

"The PRC has made it clear it wants to shape Taiwan's coming national election," Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Well, it's up to our citizens to decide, not the bully next door," he added.

In Taiwan's capital Taipei, residents said they were not overly concerned by China's activities.

"I think it (the drill) is more like a show, it would be quite impossible (for China) to launch a real attack. Although it is still possible it should be quite difficult for it to happen, " Huang Chung-en told the BBC.

Chou-Yu-Hsuan said she was "unafraid" as she did not think a war will happen.

"They (China) have been saying it for a long time. My feeling is that if a real war breaks out, there will be a lot of problems. Besides, there is the US," she added.

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