Taiwan has heightened its security measures after China established seven reserved airspace zones and deployed nearly 90 naval and coast guard vessels, signaling large-scale military drills across the region. The drills, described by Taiwan’s defense officials as an act of “military intimidation,” target key waterways near Taiwan, southern Japan, and the East and South China Seas.
A senior Taiwanese security source revealed that approximately two-thirds of the deployed vessels are naval ships. The scope of this operation surpasses previous exercises, including China’s “Joint Sword 2024-A” and “Joint Sword 2024-B” drills.
China’s defense ministry has yet to comment on these developments, and the White House has similarly refrained from issuing a statement.
Reserved Airspace Zones for Strategic Exercises
Taiwan’s defense ministry reported that seven “temporary reserved areas” of airspace off China’s Fujian and Zhejiang provinces have been allocated for military activities from Monday to Wednesday. While other flights may pass through these zones with proper clearance, their purpose remains undisclosed.
Wang Ting-yu, a prominent Taiwanese lawmaker, speculated the zones could be used for military operations or serve as a political maneuver to apply pressure. “They may aim to intimidate, but Taiwan will not succumb to coercion,” Wang emphasized.
Enhanced Military Monitoring and Readiness
In response, Taiwan’s armed forces have activated “combat readiness exercises” across key strategic points. Taiwanese naval and coast guard vessels are closely tracking Chinese movements, and officials have warned of potential risks to regional stability.
“Unilateral and provocative actions threaten peace in the Indo-Pacific and are unacceptable to the international community,” Taiwan’s defense ministry stated.
China’s maneuvers are being perceived as an effort to assert control over the island chain extending from Japan to Borneo. “For the first time, their exercises target the entire island chain,” a Taiwanese security source noted, describing it as an unprecedented show of military force.
Grey-Zone Tactics and International Tensions
Taiwan has condemned China’s use of “grey-zone harassment” tactics, which include deploying coast guard ships near Taiwan’s waters. Taipei’s coast guard denounced these actions as illegitimate, warning it reserves the right to take necessary countermeasures.
Beijing’s assertive stance has been linked to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s recent trip to the Pacific, which included stopovers in the U.S. Lai has consistently rejected Beijing’s claims of sovereignty over Taiwan, reiterating that only Taiwan’s citizens have the right to decide their future.
China’s actions, coupled with increasing tensions in the South China Sea, have sparked global concerns about potential conflict. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, speaking in Japan, warned of China’s growing capability to challenge the international rules-based order.
“We will ensure this region remains open to freedom of navigation and overflight,” Austin said.
A Reuters story
