Taiwan on High Alert: China’s Largest Naval Fleet in Decades Sparks Tensions

Source: Baku Research Institute

Escalation of Chinese Military Activity: China has deployed its largest naval fleet in 30 years, with 90 ships and significant military maneuvers from Japan’s southern islands to the South China Sea, raising tensions with Taiwan.

Taiwan’s Strategic Concerns: Taiwan views China’s actions as a response to recent diplomatic activities and part of a broader strategy to dominate the First Island Chain and turn the Taiwan Strait into an “internal sea.”

Rising US-China Strains: Amid escalating Chinese assertiveness and U.S.-China tensions, the region faces heightened risks of conflict.

China has deployed its most formidable naval fleet in nearly 30 years, creating a tense atmosphere in the region, Taiwan’s defense ministry warned on Tuesday. The unprecedented scale of military activity stretches from Japan’s southern islands to the South China Sea, marking a significant escalation in China’s stance toward Taiwan. Defense ministry spokesperson Sun Li-fang described the situation as the most severe since the provocative war games conducted by China ahead of Taiwan’s 1996 presidential elections.

While Beijing has remained silent, offering no confirmation or explanation of the ongoing naval maneuvers, Taiwan has interpreted the move as a response to President Lai Ching-te’s recent Pacific tour, which included controversial stopovers in Hawaii and Guam. The island’s military has raised its alert, citing “great threats” from the deployment, even as China refrains from announcing official drills. Reports from Taiwan indicate an alarming rise in Chinese naval and coast guard activity, with a staggering 90 ships operating in the region, signaling a broader objective than just intimidating Taiwan.

Taiwanese intelligence suggests these moves are part of a larger strategy by China to establish dominance in the First Island Chain—a strategic area spanning Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Senior intelligence officer Hsieh Jih-sheng highlighted that China aims to create two “walls” in the Pacific, effectively turning the Taiwan Strait into what they term an “internal sea.” The goal appears to be deterring foreign interference and asserting control over the region.

Over the past 24 hours alone, Taiwan detected 47 Chinese military aircraft and 12 navy vessels operating near its territory. Some aircraft reportedly simulated attacks on foreign naval ships and practiced blockade scenarios. This surge in activity follows two rounds of major Chinese war games around Taiwan earlier this year.

Taiwanese officials insist that Beijing’s sovereignty claims are illegitimate, emphasizing that the island’s future lies solely in the hands of its people. Meanwhile, China views the Taiwan issue as a non-negotiable “red line” and a critical aspect of its national interests, repeatedly warning the United States against meddling.

The rising tensions come amid a backdrop of increasing Chinese assertiveness and a strained U.S.-China relationship. As the global spotlight remains fixed on the region, the stakes are higher than ever, with the specter of conflict looming ominously over the Taiwan Strait.

Shobhil Shrivastava

Shobhil Shrivastava is a postgraduate student specializing in Diplomacy, Law, and Business at O.P. Jindal Global University. His academic focus spans International Relations, Geopolitics, Defence, and Security. Views expressed are the author’s own.