Taiwan military alert ramped up as China deploys 90 navy vessels

Taiwan has raised its military alert level to “high” after China deployed nearly 90 navy and coastguard vessels in waters around the island.

The heightened state of readiness comes as Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported a significant Chinese military presence in waters near Taiwan, the southern Japanese islands, and the East and South China Seas.

Approximately two-thirds of the vessels are warships, according to a Taipei security source.

China’s Foreign Ministry responded by pledging to “firmly defend” its sovereignty, with spokeswoman Mao Ning declaring Taiwan an “inalienable” part of China.

Taiwan’s military has established an emergency centre and launched combat readiness drills in response to what it termed “enemy threats”.

China has established seven zones of reserved airspace to the east of its Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, according to Taiwanese officials.

These reserved zones, whilst allowing other flights to pass through with controller permission, have heightened concerns about potential military activities.

Taiwan’s Defense Ministry warned against “unilateral and irrational, provocative actions”, stating such moves could seriously damage peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

The ministry added that such actions “will not be welcomed by the international community”.

Since the weekend, Taiwan has reported the presence of 14 Chinese warships, seven military aircraft and at least four balloons in the area.

Six of the aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, an unofficial buffer zone between Taiwan and China.

One of the balloons was detected crossing over the island’s northern tip, according to Taiwan’s Defense Ministry.

The military presence represents a significant show of force in the region, with Chinese vessels and aircraft operating in close proximity to Taiwanese territory.

These movements have prompted increased monitoring and surveillance from Taiwan’s defence forces.

The heightened military activity comes amid rising tensions following Taiwanese President William Lai’s recent visits to Pacific allies, which included stops in Hawaii and Guam.

China has consistently objected to formal exchanges between Taiwan and other nations, claiming the self-ruled democracy of 23 million people as its own territory.

President Lai urged China to show restraint on Friday, stating: “Raising your fists is not as good as opening your hands.”

He added: “No matter how many military exercises, warships and aircraft China sends to coerce neighbouring countries, it cannot win the respect of any country.”

Taiwan continues to face the constant threat of military action from China and relies heavily on US arms sales for defence.