The Chinese mainland lodged protest after two U.S. fighter planes made a rare landing at an airport in southern Taiwan on Wednesday.
Two U.S. navy F-18 fighters landed at Tainan Airport, which is for dual use by military and civilian aircraft, at 1:19 p.m. due to mechanical problems reported by one of them, Taiwan's military and aviation authorities confirmed.
The pilots landed after approval from the island's authorities.
"We have already lodged solemn representations with the U.S. side," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said.
"We demand that the U.S. strictly abide by the one-China policy and the Three Joint Communiques between China and the U.S. and cautiously and appropriately handle relevant issues", she added.
The Taiwan authorities gave no explanation as to what mission the U.S. fighters were on and why they were flying so close to the island.
The crew members and planes are safe, according to media reports.
