Taiwan Raises Alert as China Deploys 14 Warships, Imposes Airspace Restrictions Until December 11

Dec 9, 2024, 05:17 AM

Taiwan's military has raised its alert level and activated an emergency response center after detecting a significant increase in Chinese military activity around the island. Taiwan's defense ministry reported that between Saturday and Sunday, 14 Chinese warships and 7 military aircraft were operating near Taiwan, nearly doubling the number from the previous day. China has established seven reserved airspace zones east of Zhejiang and Fujian provinces, issuing a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) that imposes temporary airspace restrictions until December 11, possibly indicating preparations for missile launches. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) has deployed naval fleets and coast guard vessels from its Eastern, Northern, and Southern Theater Commands around Taiwan, prompting Taiwan to initiate combat readiness drills and put troops on the highest alert levels. A security source reported that China currently has nearly 90 navy and coast guard ships in waters near Taiwan, the southern Japanese islands, and the East and South China Seas, with around two-thirds being navy vessels. Taiwan's coast guard has stated that China does not have the right to carry out any intrusion and law enforcement actions in its waters and has alerted commercial vessels and fishing boats to remain vigilant. Seven Chinese coast guard ships are conducting abnormal activities around Taiwan. The increased Chinese military presence is believed to be a response to Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te's recent overseas trip to Pacific allies.