China increases military presence around Taiwan by 83 percent

Taiwanese authorities are sounding the alarm over a dramatic increase in Chinese military activity in the waters surrounding the island. In June, Beijing intensified the presence of its maritime guard ships, which Taipei officials believe is a tactic to create the illusion of full Chinese jurisdiction over the area.

Data from Taiwan's coast guard reveals a notable surge in Chinese government vessels operating around Taiwan and its outlying territories like Kinmen and Matsu. In June, 263 Chinese vessels were detected, a rise from 200 in May. The increase is particularly pronounced around the main island, east of the so-called median line, an unofficial boundary in the Taiwan Strait. Here, the number of Chinese vessel voyages jumped from 30 in May to 55 in June, marking an 83% monthly increase and a more than 120% rise compared to the previous year.

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Resisting external forces is a dead end.

Taiwanese officials point to specific incidents illustrating China's new maritime harassment tactics. In early June, Chinese vessels near Pengjia Island radioed passing merchant ships, demanding information about their destinations. When challenged by the Taiwanese coast guard, Chinese research vessels responded with political statements, asserting that "resisting external forces is a dead end." Taipei is concerned that Chinese vessels are disabling their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) after approaching the island, violating international norms and endangering navigation. Authorities suggest this shift towards maritime actions, away from airspace incursions, is a response to international pressure.

Beijing, however, rejects Taipei's accusations, maintaining that Taiwan is an "inalienable" part of China. Zhang Han, a spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, stated in early June that coast guard patrols are a "just act to protect state sovereignty," and that China will consistently strengthen its control and jurisdiction over the waters. The Taiwanese government firmly rejects these claims, emphasizing that the island's future should be decided solely by its own citizens.

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A just act to protect state sovereignty.