China sends warships and jets near Taiwan as top US official visits Beijing

China has sent warships and fighter planes close to Taiwan during a visit by US treasury secretary Janet Yellen to Beijing aimed at easing strained relations. Taiwan’s defence ministry said it was monitoring the situation, which involved 13 aircraft and six vessels, and land-based missile systems were ready to respond. Four of the planes, including two SU-30 jet fighters, crossed the median line in the Taiwan Strait, which serves as a de-facto border between the sides. China claims Taiwan as its own territory, to be reclaimed by force if necessary, and sends air and naval missions on a regular basis….