Taiwan flags ‘obvious’ threat from 50 Chinese vessels in wide sweep of waters

China has deployed over 50 naval and official vessels across a wide expanse of sea, stretching from southern Japan to Taiwan and off the coast of the Philippines, according to a senior Taiwanese official. The official called this threat "obvious" and emphasized that Taiwan, which China considers a province, is stepping up efforts to disclose the exact locations and movements of Chinese warships and coast guard vessels.

National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu posted a map on X, displaying the positions of 53 ships, including 34 warships, such as the aircraft carrier Liaoning. The carrier and its accompanying fleet were positioned east of the Philippines, with other formations off Taiwan's east and southeast, as well as three off Japan's southern coast.

The Chinese Defense Ministries, along with those of Japan and the Philippines, have yet to respond to inquiries regarding this matter. On Wednesday, Japan's Defense Ministry reported tracking three Chinese warships and a coast guard ship as they navigated the Osumi Strait off Kyushu island and entered the Pacific. This month, China's Defense Ministry claimed that the Liaoning was participating in a routine training exercise, not directed at any particular country.

Taiwan's Defence Minister, Wellington Koo, expressed dissatisfaction with China's activities, stating that the use of force to project deterrence in the Indo-Pacific region could threaten peace and stability. A senior Taiwan security official, familiar with the situation, pointed out that monitoring the Liaoning carrier group's movements would be crucial.

If the group continues its northward journey towards Japan following drills in the Philippine Sea, it could indicate a stronger intention to pressure Japan's defense posture. China has consistently denied the possibility of using force to annex Taiwan, asserting that it prefers peaceful reunification.