Taiwan claims Chinese warships intensify patrols in its waters

China's warships have intensified their patrols through the Taiwan Strait this year, Taiwan's Defence Ministry said on Monday.

Taiwan is continuing to be vigilant and will protect its national security if required, the ministry added.

The announcement came days after several US warships sailed through the Taiwan Strait, following local elections on the island on November 24, Efe news reported.

This was the third time this year that US ships passed through the strait after similar passages on July 7 and October 22.

In addition to intensified naval patrols, China had also been sending aeroplanes and ships near the eastern coast of Taiwan more frequently as a warning to the island and its growing proximity to the US.

After the pro-democracy Tsai Ing-wen took office as President in 2016, China intensified its diplomatic isolation of Taiwan and escalated military activities near the island's coasts.

(With inputs from agencies.)