Official statements from Taiwan's government or U.S. Department of Defense

Taiwan on High Alert as China Deploys 90 Warships, Launches Drills Till December 11

Dec 9, 2024, 04:36 AM

Taiwan's Defense Ministry reported a significant increase in Chinese military activity around the island over the weekend, detecting 14 Chinese warships, seven military aircraft, and four balloons between Saturday and Sunday. Some of the aircraft crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone. In response, Taiwan activated emergency response measures on Monday morning, raising its alert level and conducting combat readiness drills at strategic locations. China's move includes establishing seven restricted air zones near Taiwan from Monday until Wednesday, December 11, to the east of China's Fujian and Zhejiang provinces, and deploying naval and coast guard vessels around the island. Taiwan's Coast Guard is conducting 'one-on-one' monitoring of Chinese coast guard boats that come near Taiwan. Security sources note 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, prompting concerns of a new round of military exercises.