More Than 50 Chinese Ships Near Taiwan, Taipei Calls It a ‘Clear Threat’

More than 50 Chinese naval and other government vessels are operating across a vast stretch of sea from southern Japan through Taiwan to the coast of the Philippines. Taiwan views the activities as a “clear threat.”

Joseph Wu, secretary-general of Taiwan’s National Security Council, posted a map on social media platform X on Wednesday showing the locations of 53 Chinese vessels. Of these, 34 are naval warships. The vessels include China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning.

According to the map, the Liaoning and its accompanying warships are operating east of the Philippines. Several other groups of Chinese vessels are positioned near Taiwan’s eastern and southeastern coasts. Three groups are also located near Japan’s southern coast.

Wu said Taiwan was monitoring the activities of the Chinese vessels. He described the simultaneous threat facing Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines as clear.

Taiwan’s Defence Minister Wellington Koo said on Thursday that he did not want to see any display of military power that could undermine peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

Speaking to reporters at the parliament in Taipei, Koo said his ministry was monitoring the movements of Chinese warships and exchanging intelligence with partner countries.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory. However, Taiwan’s government maintains that only the people of Taiwan have the right to decide the island’s future. Taipei also rejects Beijing’s claim to have authority over such decisions.

Relations between China and Japan, as well as between China and the Philippines, have deteriorated in recent months. Beijing has expressed displeasure over Japan’s support for Taiwan. Meanwhile, tensions between China and the Philippines over disputes in the South China Sea have continued to rise.

China’s Ministry of National Defence did not immediately comment on the latest developments. Earlier this month, however, the ministry said exercises involving the aircraft carrier Liaoning were part of routine training and were not directed at any specific country.