As many as 25 Chinese warplanes roared into Taiwan’s airspace in an act of intimidation on the occasion of China’s national day, the defence ministry in Taipei said.

China flew 18 J-16 and four Su-30 fighters along with two nuclear-capable H-6 bombers and an anti-submarine aircraft, local media cited the defence ministry as saying.

It said Taiwan had to scramble fighter jets to warn away the Chinese planes and missile systems were deployed to monitor them.

The Chinese aircraft all flew in an area close to the Pratas island, according to a map that the ministry released.

China's latest mission came only a day after its government launched a scathing attack on Taiwan's foreign minister Joseph Wu, an outspoken supporter of the island's efforts to counter pressure from China.

Taiwan is aware that its giant neighbour poses a major threat and can even "paralyse" its defences. However, it is determined to preserve its independence.

Beijing is stepping up military activities around the island, which it views as Chinese territory. It has never ruled out the use of force to bring democratic Taiwan under its control.

Meanwhile Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen is going in for strengthening the island’s own defences, building up its domestic defence industry and buying more equipment from the United States, Taiwan’s most important arms supplier and international backer. Neighbouring Japan is also a strong supporter of Taiwan.

There was no immediate comment on the issue from China.