Taiwan Heightens Alert as China Conducts Broad Military Drills Across Regional Waters

Taiwan elevated its alert level on Monday following reports that China had established seven zones of reserved airspace and deployed naval fleets and coast guard vessels in what security sources described as extensive military exercises spanning significant portions of regional waters.

A senior Taiwanese security official revealed to Reuters that China has positioned nearly 90 navy and coast guard ships near Taiwan, the southern Japanese islands, and the East and South China Seas, with approximately two-thirds comprising naval vessels. Beijing’s defense ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

China, which considers self-governed Taiwan part of its territory, had been anticipated to escalate military activities in reaction to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's recent diplomatic trip to the Pacific, which included stopovers in Hawaii and Guam.

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, the seven "temporary reserved areas" of airspace were established east of China’s Fujian and Zhejiang provinces and are active from Monday through Wednesday. While these zones are allocated for specific uses during set periods, international aviation rules permit other flights to pass through with clearance from air traffic controllers.

Expanding Military Presence

The Taiwanese security official, speaking anonymously, stated that this deployment marks a larger-scale operation than two prior drills earlier this year—"Joint Sword 2024-A" and "Joint Sword 2024-B."

“For the first time, they are targeting the entire island chain,” the official noted, referring to the strategic arc from Japan through Taiwan, the Philippines, and Borneo that encloses China’s coastal seas. The drills, the official suggested, aim to project “total military intimidation” and assert control over this region.

In response, Taiwan’s military has initiated combat readiness exercises at key locations while its naval and coast guard vessels closely monitor Chinese activities. Taiwan’s defense ministry condemned China’s actions, warning that “unilateral, irrational, and provocative measures” could severely harm Indo-Pacific peace and stability, drawing criticism from the international community.

"Grey-Zone" Tactics

Wang Ting-yu, a senior lawmaker from Taiwan's ruling Democratic Progressive Party, suggested that China’s airspace zones could either facilitate military operations or act as a political pressure tactic. He urged Beijing to act as a responsible neighbor, stating, “Don’t be a troublemaker all the time.”

Taiwan’s coast guard reported that seven Chinese vessels engaged in “grey-zone harassment” of the island on Monday. Taiwan reiterated that China has no legal right to conduct intrusions or law enforcement activities in its waters, and vowed to take necessary countermeasures.

Beijing has frequently employed "grey-zone" tactics to challenge Taiwan’s defenses without triggering open conflict, including daily air force sorties, naval maneuvers, and coast guard patrols.

Regional and International Implications

China’s intensified activities near Taiwan and its broader assertiveness, including in the contested South China Sea, have heightened fears of potential conflict. The U.S. has underscored its commitment to a rules-based international order, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasizing freedom of navigation and overflight in the region. Speaking at the Yokosuka naval base in Japan, Austin described China as the only nation with both the intent and increasing capacity to challenge global norms.

“This region must remain open,” Austin stated, reinforcing U.S. dedication to safeguarding stability in the Indo-Pacific.