China has rejected the existence of a “median line” in the Taiwan Strait after Taiwan reported 103 Chinese warplanes circling the island in a 24-hour period. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning dismissed the matter, asserting Taiwan as an integral part of China and refuting the validity of the median line. The dispute escalates ongoing tensions, as China claims Taiwan, while Taiwan maintains its independence. Taiwan’s defense ministry revealed that 40 of the Chinese warplanes crossed the median line into its self-declared air defense zone, leading to increased regional security concerns and calls for Beijing to halt such actions. Additionally, China’s recent sanctions on U.S. defense firms for arms sales to Taiwan have added to the tensions, with China urging the U.S. to cease such activities to avoid retaliation.