Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence has observed a surge in Chinese military maneuvers surrounding the island.
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence (MND) said it detected four sorties of Chinese military aircraft, six vessels belonging to the people's liberation army navy (PLAN) and two official ships operating around the island during a 24-hour monitoring period ending at 6 am local time on Sunday. In an update posted on social media platform X, the ministry said two of the four Chinese aircraft sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the southwestern part of Taiwan's Air Defence Identification Zone (ADIZ), according to the news agency PTI. The republic of China (ROC) armed forces monitored the movements and took appropriate response measures, the ministry added. The latest developments come amid growing concerns in Taipei over Beijing's increasing military and maritime activities around the self-governed island.
Taiwan raises concerns over Chinese coast guard patrols
Earlier, on November 3, Taiwan accused China's coast guard of harassing vessels off its eastern coast and attempting to establish what Taipei described as illegitimate jurisdiction over the surrounding waters, according to a report by the Taipei times. Taiwan's coast guard administration (CGA) deployed vessels, including the Ji An, to monitor Chinese maritime activity in the region. The Chinese patrols reportedly involved two vessels, Hushi (CCG 1308) and Meishan (CCG 2303). The CGA said China had intensified its coast guard presence off Taiwan's eastern coastline since June, carrying out regular patrols. Taiwanese officials fear these operations could be part of preparations for a possible maritime blockade involving military, paramilitary and civilian vessels. The waters off Taiwan's eastern coast are strategically important as they could serve as crucial supply routes for the island during a military confrontation or blockade. Chinese state media recently released footage showing a vessel transmitting a radio message claiming to be conducting law enforcement operations and offering assistance if needed. The intended recipient was not identified, although an unidentified fishing trawler appeared in the footage, the report said.
Taipei rejects Beijing's maritime claims
Responding to China's activities, Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration reiterated that the Republic of China is a sovereign and independent country, maintaining that Taiwan and the People's Republic of China are not subordinate to each other. The agency accused Beijing of using radio communications to intimidate vessels, describing the practice as an expansion of its influence that violates international law and threatens regional peace and stability. It also asserted that Taiwan has sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone east of the island, rejecting China's claims over those waters. The CGA further accused Beijing of using political messaging and misleading terminology, including referring to Taiwan as "China's Taiwan island" and describing its maritime operations as "law enforcement patrols". It said such statements misrepresented the situation and would not gain international recognition. Taiwan's coast guard said it would continue monitoring developments and take necessary measures to protect the island's sovereignty and maritime security.
Chinese vessels approach Pratas Islands
The Taipei Times report also highlighted increased Chinese maritime activity near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, also known as the Dongsha islands. According to Taiwan's coast guard administration, another Chinese coast guard vessel approached the islands on Saturday. The agency said it had driven Chinese coast guard vessels away from Pratas waters 13 times so far this year. Situated more than 400 kilometres from Taiwan's main island, the Pratas islands are considered particularly vulnerable to a potential Chinese military operation because of their geographical isolation.
Expert warns of China's expanding maritime strategy
Meanwhile, speaking at a security forum in Taipei on Saturday, ocean affairs Council specialist Pai Pang-ting said Beijing was deploying different categories of vessels to challenge Taiwan's maritime law enforcement and administrative authority. Pai pointed out that China was not relying solely on the visible presence of the people's liberation army. It was also using coast guard ships, research vessels and fishing boats to contest Taiwan's authority in surrounding waters. According to Pai, Beijing is attempting to present repeated incursions as routine administrative activities, gradually restricting Taiwan's ability to exercise jurisdiction over its maritime territory.
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