Image copyright Reuters Image caption The ship was returning from its first "blue water" drill

China's only aircraft carrier has led several warships across the Taiwan Strait, Taiwan's defence ministry said.

The Liaoning was returning from drills in the South China Sea.

It did not enter Taiwanese waters but did cross its air defence identification zone (ADIZ), the ministry said.

It is the latest escalation amid tensions between the two neighbours, and Taiwanese authorities have asked the public to remain calm.

In response, Taiwan's military monitored the flotilla of Chinese ships as it passed through the 160km-wide (100-mile) strait, Taiwan's defence ministry said.

China considers self-governing Taiwan part of its territory, to be reunited with the mainland by force if necessary.

Tensions have been high since US President-elect Donald Trump broke with long-standing diplomatic protocol and took a congratulatory phone call from Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen.

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Image copyright Reuters Image caption The Liaoning is seen as a major step towards China being able to project naval power far from its shores

The head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, Chang Hsiao-Yueh, said the authorities were monitoring China's actions and appealed for calm.

"I want to emphasise that our government has sufficient capability to protect our national security. It is not necessary to overly panic. On the other hand, any threats would not benefit cross-strait ties at all. Together we should show mutual good will."

China has increased military drills near Taiwan, and spoken of "increased levels of uncertainty" in relations with the island.

A diplomatic row was again kicked off when Ms Tsai visited the US at the weekend in transit to Central America and met officials, despite protests from Beijing.