Taiwan military on high alert as China warships sail near island

Taiwan’s military escalated its alert status Monday after detecting Chinese warships, coast guard vessels, and restricted airspace imposed by Beijing’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) near the island.

The move follows Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s U.S. visits, which Beijing has sharply criticized, sparking fears of large-scale military drills.

“In response to these actions by the PLA, the Ministry of National Defense (MND) has initiated combat readiness drills, factoring in enemy threats, weather conditions, and tactical positioning,” Taiwan’s defense ministry said. It confirmed that military units were on “high” alert, with troops stationed on outlying islands intensifying their vigilance.

Taiwan’s defense ministry also identified PLA naval formations from the Eastern, Northern, and Southern Theater Commands entering areas near the Taiwan Strait and the Western Pacific, alongside Chinese coast guard vessels. Despite these developments, there has been no official statement from the PLA or Chinese state media.

A spokeswoman for China’s foreign ministry defended the military’s actions, stating, “China will firmly defend its sovereignty,” while accusing Taiwan of provoking tensions.

The escalation comes in the wake of Lai’s week-long Pacific tour, which included meetings in Guam with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, the highest-level U.S. contact of Lai’s trip. Beijing responded with anger, warning Taiwan that “seeking independence with the help of the United States will inevitably hit a wall,” and urged Washington to “cease meddling in Taiwan-related affairs.”

Lai, in response to questions about Beijing’s military provocations, remarked, “Raising your fists is not as good as opening your hands,” emphasizing the importance of dialogue over conflict. During his stop in Hawaii, he underscored the need to “fight together to prevent war,” warning that “there are no winners” in conflict.

China has already restricted airspace east of Zhejiang and Fujian provinces until Wednesday, raising speculation about potential missile testing or simulated no-fly zones. Su Tzu-yun, a military expert at Taiwan’s Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said the drills “appear politically motivated” and may bolster perceptions of the “China threat theory.”

Japan’s defense ministry reported spotting Chinese naval activity over the weekend, including a missile destroyer, frigate, and an intelligence-gathering ship sailing toward the Pacific.

Taiwan’s government has warned that the PLA’s activities, including recent maneuvers near Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines, pose “risks and uncertainties” to regional stability. It urged the international community to condemn “unilateral, irrational acts of provocation.”

Taiwan continues to bolster its defenses, relying heavily on U.S. arms sales. Ahead of Lai’s trip, the U.S. approved a $385 million deal for spare parts for F-16s, radar systems, and communications equipment.

Beijing views Lai as a staunch “separatist” for his outspoken stance on Taiwan’s sovereignty. Since he took office, China has conducted two large-scale military drills around the island and frequently deploys fighter jets and naval ships to assert its claims.

As tensions rise, Taiwan remains steadfast, with its leaders advocating for peace and resilience against increasing military threats.