China has significantly increased the activity of its ships around Taiwan.
According to Reuters, this situation has heightened concerns in Taipei that Beijing is practicing or preparing for scenarios involving a blockade of the island and the closure of maritime supply routes.
Taiwanese authorities announced that in June, Chinese coast guard and research vessels were observed 55 times around the island. This figure represents an 83 percent increase compared to May and more than double the amount recorded during the same period last year.
Official Taipei believes that Beijing is increasing pressure on Taiwan through its coast guard and is more actively asserting its territorial claims. It is reported that Chinese ships are already interfering with commercial shipping, demanding information from merchant vessels regarding their entry and exit from ports.
Another point of concern for Taiwan is the conversion of some Chinese coast guard vessels from military ships. The island's leadership believes these steps could be part of preparations for a future potential maritime blockade or the restriction of access to strategic sea routes in the Pacific Ocean.
Against the backdrop of rising tensions, Taiwan plans to conduct large-scale military exercises in the near future to simulate potential escalation and the defense of vital maritime transport routes off the island's eastern coast.
The Chinese side has not yet issued an official statement regarding the matter.