China kept up pressure on Taiwan over the weekend, sending a mix of navy ships and other government vessels near the island. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense said it detected seven People's Liberation Army Navy ships and eight official ships in the 24 hours from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Sunday, Taiwan News and the Central News Agency reported. No Chinese military aircraft were spotted in that period.

Taiwan responded by sending aircraft and naval ships and putting coastal missile systems on watch, the ministry said. That is its standard response to Chinese activity near the island.

The "official ships" likely include coast guard vessels, which China has used more often in recent years to press its claims. Taiwan says these ships sometimes enter waters near its outlying islands, such as Kinmen, which sits just off China's coast.

Here is the background. China claims Taiwan, a self-ruled democracy of about 23 million people, as its own territory and has not ruled out using force to take it. Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's claim. The United States does not formally recognize Taiwan as a country, but it is the island's most important backer and sells it weapons.

Chinese military activity near Taiwan has grown sharply since 2020. Beijing often stages larger drills after political events it opposes, such as speeches by Taiwan's president or visits by U.S. officials.

Neighbors are watching closely. Japan, whose westernmost island, Yonaguni, lies about 70 miles from Taiwan, is building up its defenses and planning joint drills with the U.S. later this month.

Daily counts like this one help show patterns over time, even when no single day brings a crisis.

What we know: Taiwan tracked 15 Chinese ships and no military aircraft in the latest 24-hour period.
What we don't: Whether China plans larger drills in the weeks ahead.