Taiwan reports 83% jump in Chinese vessel activity in June

Taiwan's government reported a significant escalation in Chinese maritime activity around the island during June, prompting Taiwan to plan new military exercises aimed at protecting its vital Pacific supply routes. Taiwanese coast guard data shows sightings of Chinese government vessels, including coast guard and research ships, jumped to 55 in June, an 83% increase from May's total of 30 and more than double the 25 sightings recorded in June 2025. These figures exclude activity around Taiwan-controlled islands near mainland China.

Officials in Taipei stated the increased presence is part of Beijing's expanding use of "grey zone" tactics, employing non-military forces to apply pressure without triggering open conflict. They described this strategy as "lawfare," an attempt to gradually normalize China's jurisdictional claims over waters surrounding Taiwan. A senior Taiwan Coast Guard official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the activity points to Beijing potentially rehearsing strategies to sever Taiwan's maritime lifelines in a future crisis.

If the situation escalates to a blockade or a quasi-war, we have plans to work with the navy to jointly protect Taiwan's...