TAIPEI, Taiwan: Taiwan says that 39 Chinese military jets have flown into its self-declared air defence identification zone, which happened over two waves, one at daytime and the other at night.

The latest incursion, the largest by Beijing, comes after 38 planes, including nuclear-capable aircraft, also entered the zone on Friday.

For over a year, Taipei has complained about such incursions.

On Saturday, Taiwanese Premier Su Tseng-chang told reporters, “China has been wantonly engaged in military aggression, damaging regional peace.”

The Chinese government, which is marking the 72nd anniversary of the country’s establishment, has not commented publicly, but previously claimed such flights are intended to protect its sovereignty.

Chinese People’s Liberation Army planes flew near the Pratas Islands atoll, with 20 aircraft during the day and nineteen in the evening, said Taiwan’s defense ministry.

An air defense identification zone is an area outside of a country’s territory where foreign aircraft are identified, monitored, and controlled in the interest of national security.

A similar incident occurred on Friday, with planes flying over waters between Taiwan and the Philippines, with Taiwan scrambling jets and deploying missile systems in response.

While Taiwan considers itself a sovereign state, China sees it as a breakaway province.