Overview
- Reuters, citing multiple unnamed information officials, reports the deployment peaked at about 100 ships and still exceeded 90 on December 4.
- The vessels are operating from the southern Yellow Sea through the East and South China Seas into the western Pacific, indicating a broad regional posture.
- Officials told Reuters the higher‑than‑usual presence began after November 14 following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s Diet remarks on a Taiwan contingency and Taipei’s new special defense budget.
- China’s navy and coast guard have not publicly detailed the operations, while Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said they act under domestic and international law and urged against overhyping the situation.
- One official described ships working with combat aircraft on mock attacks against foreign vessels and training to block outside reinforcements, and some regional observers warn the concentration could precede exercises near Taiwan.