Taiwan said four Chinese J-16 fighter jets, six H-6 bombers and one anti-submarine aircraft had entered its “air defence identification zone” on January 23. Ned Price, US State Department spokesperson, on January 24 said the US was concerned about China’s “pattern” of intimidating Taiwan — and other neighbours — and reminded Beijing that the US relationship with Taipei was “rock solid”. After the US statement, an even larger group of 15 Chinese military aircraft including 12 fighters harassed the country's air defences, according to Taiwan's defence ministry.