A Chinese J-10 aircraft

Following the first visit of a highest-level US official to Taiwan since 1979, Chinese fighter jets passed the center of the Taiwan Strait in an apparent warning to Taipei.

Iran Press/Asia: Chinese fighter jets Shenyang J-11 and Chengdu J-10 crossed the unofficial boundary that separates Taiwan from the mainland on Monday, Taipei's ministry of national defense said, according to Taiwan News.

The "People's Liberation Army Air Force jets' deliberate intrusion...in the Taiwan Strait have seriously undermined regional security and stability," Taiwan's air force said following the incident.

Taiwan also said that it could "respond appropriately to changes in the enemy's disposition to maintain the security of the homeland," according to the report.

Reports of crossing Chinese fighter jets came the same day US Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar and his Taiwanese counterpart Chen Shih-Chung witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on health cooperation.

Chen said the agreement implies greater cooperation between the two sides on global health security.

Azar's visit drew harsh rebuke from China, which has opposed Taiwan's entry into the World Health Organization. China does not recognize Taiwanese sovereignty.

Beijing foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said Monday in response to Azar's visit China opposes government-level exchange between the United States and Taiwan.

220

Read More:

US to send highest-ranking official in over 40 years to Taiwan

Beijing to retaliate US $2.2 billion Taiwan arms deal with sanctions

China demands US cancel proposed $2.2bn arms sale to Taiwan