China flew a record number of fighter jets and other warplanes around Taiwan during its large-scale military drills on Monday, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry said.

Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said 90 of the aircraft, including warplanes, helicopters and drones, were spotted within the island's air defense identification zone.

China’s military warned it would ramp up pressure on Taiwan when necessary, a sign that the US-backed democracy of 23 million people can expect a repeat of the intense exercises seen to start the week.