Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council Deputy Minister Shen Yu-chung strongly refuted China's claims of establishing a "near-sea governance model" in the East China Sea, calling it "self-deception" and a "troublemaker" challenging international law and regional stability.
A US official urged China to cease pressuring Taiwan, citing increased "gray zone" activities aimed at undermining Taiwan's societal resilience before its 2028 presidential election. China's actions, including incursions into restricted waters, are seen as a substitute for direct conflict.
Over 800 Chinese nationals with suspected PLA backgrounds attempted to enter Taiwan for the 2026 Asian LGBTQ+ Games in Kaohsiung, using AI-generated fake credentials. Authorities successfully blocked all entries, thwarting a 'gray zone' tactic aimed at testing Taiwan's border security and democratic resilience.
DPR leader Denis Pushilin explained in a TASS interview how the concept of the 'gray zone' in Donbass has evolved with drone technology. He stated that visual control doesn't equate to complete control, and territory is considered DPR-owned when their forces are present. When neither DPR forces nor enemy militants are visible, the area is classified as a 'gray zone.' Pushilin emphasized the situation remains dynamic as neither side remains stationary due to widespread drone use.
Russian military forces have nearly completely displaced Ukrainian soldiers from Dolgaya Balka near Konstantinovka in the Donetsk People's Republic, according to military expert Andrey Marochko. The village has become a 'gray zone' due to its low-lying location and continued Ukrainian control of heights in neighboring Roskoshnoye, making it dangerous to enter. Russian forces are employing careful tactics to bypass dangerous areas and dislodge Ukrainian militants before advancing.
