In an unprecedented show of force, Taiwan's military officials report that China has launched its largest fleet operation in decades.
Taiwan Raises Alarm as China's Naval Fleet Sets Record Scale
Taiwan Raises Alarm as China's Naval Fleet Sets Record Scale
Beijing's surprising naval mobilization is igniting fears on the island amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Taiwan's defense ministry has stated that China is executing its most significant maritime activity in close to 30 years, deploying an impressive fleet comprising nearly 90 naval and Coast Guard vessels across a vast area stretching from the southern Japanese islands to the critical South China Sea. This extensive operation is being viewed by Taiwanese officials as a demonstration of China's capability to potentially isolate the self-governing island while also obstructing support from U.S. allies in the region, particularly Japan and the Philippines.
General Hsieh Jih-sheng, a prominent figure in Taiwan's defense ministry, characterized the volume of Chinese vessels as "indeed astonishing," indicative of China's expanding military reach. According to Sun Li-fang, a spokesperson for Taiwan's defense ministry, this deployment marks the most significant naval activity observed since 1996, thereby placing Taiwan on high alert.
Although specifics about the motivation behind these movements are yet to be revealed by China, no official statements regarding military exercises have been made public by Beijing. When approached for comments, a foreign ministry spokesperson sidestepped the question about possible drills occurring near Taiwan. General Hsieh speculated that the lack of communication from China regarding this large-scale deployment serves to catch Taiwan unawares.
General Hsieh Jih-sheng, a prominent figure in Taiwan's defense ministry, characterized the volume of Chinese vessels as "indeed astonishing," indicative of China's expanding military reach. According to Sun Li-fang, a spokesperson for Taiwan's defense ministry, this deployment marks the most significant naval activity observed since 1996, thereby placing Taiwan on high alert.
Although specifics about the motivation behind these movements are yet to be revealed by China, no official statements regarding military exercises have been made public by Beijing. When approached for comments, a foreign ministry spokesperson sidestepped the question about possible drills occurring near Taiwan. General Hsieh speculated that the lack of communication from China regarding this large-scale deployment serves to catch Taiwan unawares.
