China Deploys Largest Military Presence Near Taiwan in Decades

Taiwan reports nearly 90 Chinese naval and coast guard ships in regional waters, raising military alert levels and initiating combat readiness drills.

Taiwan's Defense Ministry has detected a record deployment of nearly 90 Chinese naval and coast guard ships, alongside 47 military aircraft, operating near the island and the first island chain.
The deployment follows Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's recent Pacific tour, including stopovers in Hawaii and Guam, which drew sharp criticism from Beijing.
China has not officially announced any military drills, but Taiwan has identified restricted airspace zones off China's eastern coast, possibly for missile testing or simulated no-fly zones.
Taiwan's military has heightened its alert status, initiated combat readiness exercises, and set up an emergency response center in response to the increased Chinese activity.
Chinese officials reiterated their stance on Taiwan as an inalienable part of China, while Taiwan emphasized its sovereignty and called for international support to maintain peace and stability in the region.