China flies 18 warplanes near Taiwan during US envoy’s visit

US Under Secretary of State Keith Krach exits a plane upon arrival at the air force base airport in Taipei (Pool Photo via AP Photo)

China’s military sent 18 planes including fighter jets over the Taiwan Strait in an unusually large show of force on Friday as a US envoy held a day of closed-door meetings on the self-governing island claimed by China.

Under Secretary of State Keith Krach, who handles the economic growth, energy and the environment portfolio, held talks with Taiwan’s minister of economic affairs and vice premier.