Taiwan tracks over 100 Chinese ships and record air incursions

Taiwan has raised serious concerns following an extensive deployment of Chinese maritime forces across the western Pacific alongside a major surge in military flights near the island, according to the South China Morning Post.

Officials in Taipei reported that more than 100 Chinese military vessels and coastguard ships were operating throughout regional waters on Tuesday. The large-scale naval presence featured the aircraft carrier Liaoning and its strike group, which were carrying out exercises in the Philippine Sea.

At the same time, the island experienced an intensification of airborne activity by the People's Liberation Army. Taiwan's defence ministry recorded 49 Chinese military aircraft sorties during the 24-hour period ending at 6 a.m. on Tuesday. That figure represents the highest single-day count registered so far this year. Flight operations slowed the following day, with the defence ministry tracking 22 sorties by Wednesday morning.

Joseph Wu, the head of Taiwan's National Security Council, made the maritime buildup public late on Tuesday through a post on social media. Addressing the heightened activity, Wu stated that Taiwan is maintaining vigilance, adding that the island will not act provocatively but will also not yield to external pressure.

The dual buildup of naval assets and military flights underscores the sustained military friction in the waters and airspace surrounding Taiwan, where Chinese forces regularly conduct patrols and training operations.