Number of Chinese ships entering Taiwan's waters increased

Taiwan has reported a notable increase in Chinese vessels entering its surrounding waters last month, as Beijing intensifies pressure on the self-ruled island. China, which claims sovereignty over Taiwan, regularly deploys military aircraft, warships, and coast guard vessels around the island. Taipei rejects these claims.

Data indicates a substantial rise in Chinese vessels engaged in "gray zone" activities during June. A Taiwanese coast guard official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that 263 Chinese ships, including coast guard, rescue, and research vessels, were detected in waters around Taiwan and its outlying islands. This figure represents an increase from 200 vessels in May and 171 in June of the previous year. The numbers do not include warships.

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Whether in terms of the types or the number of government vessels involved in these gray zone activities, there has been a significant increase.

"Whether in terms of the types or the number of government vessels involved in these gray zone activities, there has been a significant increase," the official told reporters. China initiated law enforcement patrols in the waters east of Taiwan last month, which Taipei has characterized as provocative actions and a veiled territorial expansion. Until June, the presence of Chinese Coast Guard ships in the Western Pacific was primarily limited to participation in military exercises around Taiwan.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has been vocal in defending the island's sovereignty. He urged his party on Sunday to resist China's "red violence" and safeguard Taiwan's democratic and free way of life. The term "red violence" appears to refer to perceived threats and coercion from Beijing.

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Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has been vocal in defending the island's sovereignty. He urged his party on Sunday to resist China's "red violence" and safeguard Taiwan's democratic and free way of life.