China has voiced opposition to Taiwan's desire to join a Trans-Pacific free trade agreement by also sending fighter jets as a warning sign.
Last week, Beijing submitted its own application to become a member of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
Taiwan, meanwhile, announced on Thursday that it has officially offered to be part of the CPTPP, which was signed by 11 Asia-Pacific countries in 2018.
However, Beijing warned by saying that Taiwan is an inseparable part of China.
On the same day, Taiwanese officials said 24 Chinese aircraft, including 18 fighter jets and two nuclear -capable bombers had entered the island's air defense identification zone.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Beijing strongly opposes any country making official exchanges with Taiwan and rejects Taiwan's participation in any official agreements and organizations.
Taiwan further responded to the statement by saying China had no right to decide who could join the trade agreement as it was not yet a member.
China often sends military planes to Taiwan’s air defense zone to show its displeasure, but Thursday’s entry was the largest since June 15.
