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Taiwan Warns of Possible Large PLA Drill as China Masses Vessels Across East Asia

Taiwan's intelligence chief says routine year-end PLA exercises could be merged into one operation focused on the island.

Overview

  • National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen told lawmakers it is not unlikely the PLA will combine its typical November–December exercises into a single large-scale drill targeting Taiwan.
  • Taiwan is tracking PLA deployments continuously, coordinating with its military and intelligence units, and preparing to exchange information with partners as needed.
  • Tsai reported four PLA naval fleets operating in the West Pacific, describing a posture that Taiwan is watching closely.
  • Tsai said warships from eight countries have completed 12 Taiwan Strait passages this year, including a rare New Zealand transit by HMNZS Aotearoa that a Reuters source said was shadowed by Chinese forces.
  • Reuters reporting cited by Kyodo says China has deployed more than 100 naval and coast guard vessels in regional waters since mid-November, with some units conducting mock attacks and access-denial drills following controversy over remarks by Japanese politician Sanae Takaichi.