China deployed a record number of government vessels around Taiwan in July, raising concerns over Beijing’s growing maritime pressure on the self-governing island.
Taiwan’s coast guard detected 244 Chinese ships around the island during July, according to official figures shared with AFP. That equals an average of almost eight vessels each day.
The number represents a sharp increase from the 55 vessels recorded in June and 30 in May. It also far exceeds the 58 vessels detected during July last year.
Taiwan’s coast guard has warned that the situation is becoming increasingly serious.
Chinese Maritime Activity Surges
Chinese vessels detected around Taiwan have continued to increase since May.
Taiwan recorded 1,247 Chinese vessels around its main island and several outlying islands between May and August 21.
During the first 21 days of August alone, authorities detected 152 vessels.
Around 60% of the ships were Chinese coast guard vessels. Research ships and other government vessels made up the remainder.
The figures do not include Chinese naval warships, which regularly operate around Taiwan.
Beijing Claims Taiwan and Surrounding Waters
China’s Communist Party claims Taiwan as part of its territory despite never governing the island.
Beijing has repeatedly threatened to use force if necessary to bring Taiwan under its control.
China also claims jurisdiction over waters surrounding the island, while Taiwan rejects Beijing’s territorial claims.
Taiwanese officials argue that China is increasingly using government and civilian vessels to expand its presence without directly triggering military conflict.
Growing Concern Over Grey-Zone Tactics
Analysts describe the activity as part of China’s grey-zone strategy.
Such tactics involve applying pressure through coast guard patrols, research missions and other operations that remain below the threshold of conventional warfare.
China has used similar methods in disputed parts of the South China Sea.
Taiwanese officials say the growing number of Chinese vessels around the island could eventually create additional pressure on its maritime security.
Research Ships Raise Submarine Concerns
One major concern involves Chinese oceanographic research vessels.
Taiwan’s coast guard previously said China operates more than 120 oceanographic research ships and that it tracks about 41 operating in Taiwan’s surrounding waters.
Among them is the research vessel Tong Ji, which travelled around Taiwan in May.
According to Taiwan’s coast guard, the vessel appeared to conduct oceanographic sampling and seabed surveys. Such information could help China develop databases for anti-submarine warfare.
Data Could Support Chinese Naval Operations
Ryan D. Martinson, an expert on China’s maritime strategy at the US Naval War College, said research data collected by civilian institutions can also benefit China’s military.
He said information gathered by research vessels could prove useful to Chinese naval forces during a potential conflict.
The data could become particularly important for submarine operations and anti-submarine warfare.
Blockade Concerns Grow
Taiwan already faces the possibility of a Chinese military attack. However, the increasing maritime presence has raised another concern: a potential blockade or quarantine.
Such an operation could seek to restrict ships carrying energy, food or other essential supplies from entering or leaving Taiwanese ports.
A sustained maritime presence could also give China greater knowledge of shipping routes and conditions around the island.
Taiwan Warns of Incremental Pressure
Taiwanese security officials have accused Beijing of gradually expanding its activities around the island.
They describe the approach as an incremental strategy designed to push boundaries without immediately triggering an armed confrontation.
Taiwan’s coast guard has therefore continued monitoring Chinese vessels and challenging ships that enter waters it considers restricted.
Pressure on Taiwan Continues
The latest figures show how rapidly Chinese maritime activity around Taiwan has increased.
With hundreds of government vessels detected in recent months, Taipei faces growing pressure on its waters.
For Taiwan, the challenge is not limited to Chinese warships. Coast guard and research vessels can also strengthen Beijing’s presence, gather valuable maritime information and support broader strategic objectives.
As China continues to increase its activity, Taiwan and regional security analysts are watching closely for signs that maritime pressure could develop into a more serious challenge to the island’s security.
