China Masses About 100 Naval and Coast Guard Vessels in East Asian Waters

Overview

• Reuters reports roughly 100 Chinese vessels, including navy, coast guard and patrol craft, are deployed across East Asian waters.
• The total reportedly topped 100 at points and remained above 90 on December 4, based on multiple intelligence sources cited in the coverage.
• Ship movements span the southern Yellow Sea, the East and South China seas, and extend into the Pacific.
• The deployment intensified after Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on a Taiwan scenario, with Beijing objecting and also expressing displeasure at Taiwan’s special defense budget.
• The buildup has prompted concern it could precede military exercises around Taiwan, although no drills have been announced.