Taiwan raises readiness as Chinese ships detected nearby
File photo: Chinese ships (Getty Images)
On Monday evening, Taiwan detected two Chinese military ships in waters near the Penghu Islands in the Taiwan Strait. In response, the country dispatched its navy and air force to monitor the situation, according to Reuters.
Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense stated that on the evening of April 27, a Chinese destroyer and frigate entered waters northwest of the Penghu Islands, where major Taiwanese naval and air bases are located.
Without going into details, the Ministry adds that Taiwanese military forces closely monitored the formation and took appropriate measures using naval and air forces. They also released color aerial photographs of both ships, but did not specify their exact location.
As early as Tuesday morning, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense reported in its daily 24-hour review of Chinese activity that nine Chinese military ships were currently operating around the island, and 22 military aircraft had been detected.
China’s Ministry of Defense did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Earlier this month, officials there stated that China’s regular military activities around Taiwan are fully justified and reasonable, and that any tensions are the fault of the government in Taipei.
China considers democratically governed Taiwan to be its territory. And as Reuters reports, the country sends its military ships and aircraft into the waters and skies around the island every day, drawing condemnation from the Taiwanese government. Taipei, for its part, rejects Beijing’s claims to sovereignty, stating that only the island’s residents can decide their own fate.
What Taiwan's leader says about China's actions
Today, Tuesday, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te states that China’s operations in the gray zone are irregular tactics aimed at wearing down the opponent without resorting to open hostilities. He emphasizes that the psychological pressure is intensifying by the day.
He also announces that Taiwan’s coast guard capabilities will be strengthened. According to Lai, this includes integrated maritime and aerial surveillance capabilities, as well as expanded use of drones, next-generation radar systems, and infrared thermal imaging systems.
China-Taiwan war risk
In late 2025, media outlets, citing Western intelligence agencies, reported that China could invade Taiwan as early as November 2026. In particular, Beijing might take such a step in the event of domestic unrest in the U.S. following the midterm elections on November 3, 2026.
In his New Year’s address, Taiwan’s President also said that 2026 could be a decisive year amid China’s military exercises. He emphasized that Taiwan is determined to defend its sovereignty and strengthen its defenses.
