Taiwan’s defense authorities reported a surge in Chinese military activity around the island between February 15 and 16, as multiple warships and aircraft operated near its territorial waters. During that period, the Ministry of National Defense tracked six naval vessels and three military aircraft. In response, Taiwanese forces mobilized a range of assets to monitor the movements. Consequently, the Chinese military activity raised concern among defense planners and regional security analysts.
Following the latest round of incursions, Taipei’s defense ministry released a detailed situational report. Specifically, the activity unfolded between 6 a.m. Sunday and 6 a.m. Monday local time. Throughout those hours, Taiwanese aircraft, coastal surveillance systems, and naval ships positioned themselves to track Chinese movements closely. Notably, authorities stressed that none of the aircraft crossed the unofficial median line in the Taiwan Strait.
Overall, Taiwan has recorded a steady rise in Chinese military activity this month. According to defense ministry data, military aircraft have been detected 128 times so far in February. In addition, naval vessels have appeared in 111 separate events around the island. Therefore, analysts say the uptick reflects a broader pattern of gray-zone pressure from mainland forces.
Meanwhile, Defense Ministry spokesperson Cheng Li-feng said Taiwan’s response aims to uphold territorial integrity without escalating tensions. She explained that patrols and monitoring missions will continue as part of standard defensive operations. In some cases, Taiwanese jets scrambled to maintain visual identification of incoming aircraft, while naval assets shadowed surface vessels. At the same time, the ministry emphasized readiness and restraint in official statements.
In recent years, the People’s Liberation Army of China has increased patrols and training missions near Taiwan. At the same time, Beijing claims the self-ruled island as part of its territory and has not renounced force. As a result, military deployments and sorties near Taiwanese waters have become more frequent. Consequently, democratic partners in Asia and beyond have expressed growing concern.
From a strategic perspective, regional security experts view the recent surge as calculated signaling. In their view, Beijing seeks to normalize its military presence around Taiwan while testing Taipei’s response capacity. Moreover, some analysts argue that this approach aims to wear down Taiwanese defenses over time. However, others caution that sustained pressure could heighten risks of miscalculation.
During the Lunar New Year period, Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te spoke publicly about national security priorities. He pledged to strengthen the island’s defense posture and safeguard public safety. Furthermore, his administration has proposed increased defense spending and faster acquisition of advanced systems. Nevertheless, legislative debates have slowed full implementation of those plans.
Beyond Taiwan, international partners have weighed in on regional stability. For example, several foreign governments have reaffirmed support for peace and the rule of law in the Taiwan Strait. In addition, diplomatic statements have stressed the importance of avoiding unilateral actions. Therefore, policymakers warn that any escalation could disrupt critical trade routes and global supply chains.
Looking ahead, Taiwan plans to sustain robust monitoring and response operations. Accordingly, military authorities will continue adapting readiness protocols in line with evolving threats. Meanwhile, policymakers are preparing further defense budget discussions to address long-term challenges.
Taken together, these developments underscore how Chinese military activity near Taiwan remains a persistent and complex security issue. Ultimately, the trend carries significant implications for regional peace and economic stability.
