As tensions between China and Japan rose after Japan Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks about intervening in the event of a Taiwan contingency, Reuters reported on the 4th that China is staging the largest-ever show of naval force across East Asia.
Citing regional security officials and reports from relevant countries, Reuters said China has deployed more than 100 navy and coast guard vessels across a wide area stretching from the southern Yellow Sea to the East China Sea, the South China Sea, and the Pacific.
According to an intelligence report from a neighboring country, as of the morning of the 4th, more than 90 Chinese vessels were sailing in East Asian waters, exceeding 100 earlier this week.
China's military drills are active every year-end, but such a large-scale deployment is unusual. Reuters said it is even bigger than the December drills last year to encircle Taiwan, when a total of 90 vessels took part. At the time, after Taiwan President Lai Ching-te traveled to South Pacific island nations via the U.S. territories of Hawaii and Guam, China sent 60 navy vessels and 30 coast guard vessels to waters around Taiwan.
The Chinese government has not issued an official statement about the current drills. But Reuters analyzed that China has ramped up its maritime activity since Takaichi suggested the possibility of Japan intervening in a Taiwan contingency.
Chai Ming-yen, Director General of Taiwan's National Security Bureau (NSB), did not disclose details but said as of the morning of the 3rd, China was operating four naval formations in the western Pacific and that Taiwan was closely monitoring them. On the possibility that China could conduct new military drills targeting Taiwan within the year, he said, "We must assume every possible scenario and watch for any changes."
Guo Ya-hui, Spokesperson for Taiwan's Presidential Office, also said, "Taiwan is tracking the security situation in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding areas in real time and can ensure there is no concern for national security," adding, "We will work closely with partner countries to deter unilateral actions that could threaten regional stability."