China’s defence ministry did not respond to a request for comment on the missions, reported just days before Tuesday’s U.S. presidential election. The United States is bound by law to provide Taiwan with the means to defend itself, and its arms sales to Taipei, including a $2 billion missile system announced last month, infuriate Beijing. Taiwan’s defence ministry said that from 9 a.m. (0100 GMT) on Sunday it had detected 37 Chinese military aircraft, including J-16 fighters, nuclear-capable H-6 bombers and drones. On Saturday, the ministry said China had carried out another “joint combat readiness patrol” with warships and aircraft near Taiwan. Beijing strongly dislikes Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, who took office in May, saying he is a “separatist”.