Han Kuang 42: China's 7 Warships Pass Taiwan Strait Median Line; Taiwan's Lien Chiang Deploys for Patrol

Seven Chinese warships were sighted sailing in formation through the median line of the Taiwan Strait on August 11, 2026, a move that occurred amidst Taiwan's ongoing annual Han Kuang military exercises. The unprecedented large formation of Chinese vessels, observed by Penghu fishermen near Mudou Island, has heightened regional tensions.

Fishermen reported seeing the seven Chinese warships, spaced approximately two nautical miles apart, heading through the strait. Among the visible vessels was a Chinese Navy Yangshuo-class minesweeper (082I type). The fishermen, noting the unusual scale and composition of the fleet, which they estimated included a medical ship and an advanced vessel with three spherical radar systems, immediately turned their fishing boats back towards Penghu.

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We saw 7 Chinese warships sailing in formation at the same time, about 35 nautical miles northwest of Mudou Island.

The sighting prompted the deployment of Taiwan's Coast Guard vessel, the Lien Chiang, to the Mudou Island area. The vessel was tasked with patrolling and protecting the rights of Taiwanese fishermen. Despite the presence of the Lien Chiang nearby, it did not encounter the Chinese fleet directly as it passed through the strait.

Adding to the concern, fishermen reported that their maritime communication signals were severely disrupted during the transit of the Chinese fleet. The Chinese military's actions are seen by some as a response to or intelligence gathering related to Taiwan's ongoing urban resilience drills, which are also taking place in Penghu.

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The Lien Chiang has been deployed early to the Mudou Island area for patrol and to safeguard the rights of Penghu fishermen.