Key facts
- Taiwan detected a sharp rise in Chinese coast guard and research vessel activity around the island in June.
- Sightings increased 83% from May and 120% from June last year.
- Taiwan plans drills simulating Chinese escalations off its Pacific coast.
- Officials believe China may be rehearsing how to sever Taiwan's Pacific supply lines.
- Some Chinese coast guard ships are former naval destroyers, posing a greater threat.
Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te urged his party to defend democracy against Beijing's 'red terror' and prevent Taiwan from becoming 'China's Taiwan.' Meanwhile, Taiwan detected a significant increase in Chinese coast guard and research vessel activity around the island in June, with sightings up 83% from May and 120% from the previous year. Taiwan officials believe this activity suggests Beijing may be rehearsing how to sever the island's Pacific supply lines. In response, Taipei plans drills simulating Chinese escalations off its Pacific coast. Some Chinese coast guard ships are former naval destroyers, posing a heightened threat due to their size and capabilities. Officials also noted Chinese coast guard vessels operating in pairs outside Taiwan's economic waters, straining Taiwan's fleet, and broadcasting questions to merchant vessels to exert pressure.