The carrier group entered the strait that separates the island and mainland China, travelling from north to south, Taipei's defence ministry said.

It added that "security and prosperity" across the Asia-Pacific region was "an obligation and responsibility" shared by all parties.

"The military will continue to... strengthen our self-defence capabilities and respond to regional threats," the ministry added.

The Shandong has sailed through the Taiwan Strait several times in recent months, as Beijing ramps up military pressure on the self-ruled island, which it claims as its own territory.