Over 50 Chinese Naval and Government Vessels Detected in Nearby Waters

Taiwan has detected the presence of more than 50 Chinese naval and government vessels across a vast maritime region stretching from southern Japan, past Taiwan, and toward the Philippines. Taipei views the activities of these vessels as a cause for concern—not only for its own security but also for that of Japan and the Philippines. In response, Taiwan is monitoring the movements of these Chinese warships and coast guard vessels while also publishing their locations via maps.

According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Joseph Wu, Secretary-General of Taiwan’s National Security Council, shared a map on the social media platform X on Wednesday (October 28). The map identifies the positions of 53 Chinese vessels, 34 of which are naval warships. The list includes China’s aircraft carrier, the *Liaoning*.

Joseph Wu stated that Taiwan is closely monitoring the activities of the Chinese vessels. He noted that such military operations pose a clear security threat to Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines simultaneously.

The map shows a fleet led by the *Liaoning* positioned east of the Philippines, while several other Chinese vessels were located near Taiwan’s eastern and southeastern coasts. Three vessels were also detected near the southern coast of Japan. Joseph Wu had previously released a similar map this past May.

China, however, has characterized these military activities as part of routine training. On Thursday (October 29), Zhang Xiaogang, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, stated that the *Liaoning’s* exercises in the Western Pacific are standard military operations. He explained that the objective is to test the fleet’s capability to conduct long-duration military operations in distant maritime regions, adding that the exercises are not directed at any specific country.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Ministry of Defense reported that the movements of three Chinese warships and one coast guard vessel were detected on Tuesday. The ships passed through the Osumi Strait, located near Japan’s Kyushu Island, and headed toward the Pacific Ocean.

Earlier this month, China stated that the *Liaoning* was participating in routine military training exercises. Beijing maintains that these drills are not directed against any specific country.

In recent times, China’s diplomatic and military tensions with Japan and the Philippines have intensified. Beijing is displeased with Japan’s support for Taiwan. Meanwhile, China’s disputes with the Philippines over various areas in the South China Sea are becoming increasingly complex.

Speaking to reporters outside the parliament in Taipei on Thursday, Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo stated that they do not wish to see a display of military force that could disrupt peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.

A senior Taiwanese security official noted that they are closely monitoring whether the *Liaoning*-led fleet, upon completing its training in the Philippine Sea, will head north toward Japan. Speaking on condition of anonymity, the official suggested that a northward movement could be a strategic move intended to exert additional pressure on Japan’s defense system.

Fears of military action against Taiwan; U.S. makes preparations

China has never ruled out the use of military force to bring Taiwan under its control, although its official stance remains that it seeks a peaceful reunification with the island.

Meanwhile, a report by the U.S. military newspaper *Stars and Stripes* indicates that the U.S. military is strengthening its preparedness in the Pacific region, amid concerns that China could launch a military operation against Taiwan as early as next year. This was stated by Lieutenant General Ronald Clark, commander of U.S. Army Pacific, during a forum held in Hawaii on Tuesday (October 27).

In response, Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo said that his country is working to further strengthen its defense and deterrence capabilities to counter potential threats. He added that China has never entirely abandoned the option of using military force to seize Taiwan. It should be noted that China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and does not recognize the island's independence. The government of Taiwan, on the other hand, maintains that the people of the island alone have the right to determine its future. Taiwan asserts that Beijing has no sovereign rights over its territory.