A surge of nearly 90 Chinese naval and coast guard vessels raises alarms for Taiwan and its allies, highlighting potential military threats.
**Taiwan Faces Largest Naval Show of Force as China Deploys Fleet**

**Taiwan Faces Largest Naval Show of Force as China Deploys Fleet**
Taiwan remains vigilant as China launches its most significant maritime operation in decades amid escalating tensions over U.S. support.
Taiwanese defense officials reported that China has initiated its most extensive maritime operations in almost thirty years, deploying nearly 90 naval and coast guard ships across a significant stretch of ocean, from the southern Japanese islands to the South China Sea. This unprecedented deployment has prompted Taiwan to heighten its alert status, with concerns that China is not only demonstrating its military capabilities against Taiwan but also seeking to deter U.S. allies like Japan and the Philippines from intervening in the case of a conflict.
General Hsieh Jih-sheng from Taiwan's Ministry of Defense remarked on the sheer numbers of vessels, stating, "The numbers are indeed astonishing" and noting that this strategic move by China is a clear extension of their military strength. In fact, a spokesperson for Taiwan's defense ministry indicated that this maneuver is the most significant seen since 1996.
Importantly, China's motives remain somewhat obscured, with no official communication from Beijing regarding military exercises. When questioned about possible drills near Taiwan, a foreign ministry spokeswoman evaded a direct answer, further adding to the overall uncertainty. General Hsieh speculated that the lack of information regarding the large deployment appears to be a tactical maneuver aimed at catching Taiwan off guard, intensifying the already precarious situation in the region.
General Hsieh Jih-sheng from Taiwan's Ministry of Defense remarked on the sheer numbers of vessels, stating, "The numbers are indeed astonishing" and noting that this strategic move by China is a clear extension of their military strength. In fact, a spokesperson for Taiwan's defense ministry indicated that this maneuver is the most significant seen since 1996.
Importantly, China's motives remain somewhat obscured, with no official communication from Beijing regarding military exercises. When questioned about possible drills near Taiwan, a foreign ministry spokeswoman evaded a direct answer, further adding to the overall uncertainty. General Hsieh speculated that the lack of information regarding the large deployment appears to be a tactical maneuver aimed at catching Taiwan off guard, intensifying the already precarious situation in the region.