Taiwan is maintaining a high state of alert as Chinese military activities escalate around the island, intensifying regional tensions. On Wednesday, July 10, Taiwan’s Defense Ministry reported monitoring 66 Chinese aircraft near its airspace. The sightings follow observations of China’s Shandong aircraft carrier navigating close to the Philippines, marking a sustained effort by Beijing to project its military influence into strategically critical areas of the Pacific.
The Defense Ministry highlighted this as part of Beijing’s pattern of aggressive military posturing. The Shandong’s operations in the Pacific and the accompanying warplanes emphasize China’s intent to assert its presence.
Taiwan also observed increased naval activity by other major powers.
Earlier this month, a Japanese navy destroyer entered Chinese territorial waters near northern Taiwan without Beijing’s prior notification. The vessel sailed within 12 nautical miles of China’s eastern coast for about 20 minutes despite warnings from Chinese ships. Beijing expressed “serious concerns” and lodged formal protests against Japan’s actions. Japan’s Defense Ministry opened an investigation into the intentions of the destroyer’s captain and crew.
Japan’s defense forces also noted Russian naval maneuvers near Taiwan and intensified confrontations in the South China Sea between China and the Philippines.
The Philippine Air Force embarked on its first overseas deployment in 60 years, arriving in northern Australia on Wednesday to participate in combat training with U.S. and Australian fighter jets.
These military incidents coincide with a NATO summit in Washington, D.C., where discussions are centered on China’s deepening military cooperation with Russia and the broader challenges posed to European security.
Amid these developments, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te vowed to continue strengthening the island’s defenses against Beijing’s “grey zone” tactics. Chinese tactics include efforts to test and pressure Taiwan’s defenses without resorting to outright combat.
