Taiwan president says island does not seek military confrontation

But amid rising tensions with China, Tsai Ing-wen says island will do what is necessary to defend itself.

Taiwan does not seek military confrontation but will do whatever it takes to defend its freedom and democratic way of life, President Tsai Ing-wen has said, amid a rise in tensions with China that has sparked alarm around the world.

Taiwan, claimed by Beijing as its own territory, reported nearly 150 Chinese air force aircraft flew into its air defence zone over a four-day period beginning last Friday, China’s National Day.

The sorties now appear to have ended.