China's Massive Naval & Coast Guard Deployment in East Asia: Over 90 Ships Amid Taiwan-Japan Tensions

China's Unprecedented Naval Deployment Signals Heightened Regional Tensions

In a significant display of maritime power, China has reportedly deployed a substantial number of naval and coast guard vessels across key East Asian waterways, with estimates peaking at over 100 ships earlier this week and currently standing above 90. Described by sources and intelligence reports reviewed by Reuters as China's largest show of force to date, this massive deployment unfolds during a period traditionally active for military exercises, though Beijing has not officially announced specific large-scale drills.

Deployment Spans Key East Asian Waters Amid Escalating Disputes

The extensive maritime operations stretch from the southern reaches of the Yellow Sea, through the East China Sea, and into the contested South China Sea, extending even into the Pacific Ocean. This heightened activity coincides with escalating diplomatic tensions in the region. Japan is currently embroiled in a diplomatic dispute with China following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's recent remarks, which suggested a potential military response from Tokyo if China were to attack democratic Taiwan. Beijing views Taiwan as its own territory and has also expressed anger over Taiwan President Lai Ching-te's announcement of an additional $40 billion in defense spending aimed at countering Chinese influence.

Regional security officials, whose accounts were corroborated by intelligence reports, noted that Beijing initiated this elevated level of ship deployment after November 14. This date marks China's summoning of Japan's ambassador to protest Takaichi's comments on Taiwan. One official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the information, suggested that this "unprecedented" deployment extends beyond China's genuine national defense needs, creating risks for all parties involved and serving as a test of regional capitals' responses.

Taiwan Monitors Chinese Formations, Japan Notes Naval Expansion

Taiwan's National Security Bureau Director-General, Tsai Ming-yen, confirmed on Wednesday that China is in its most active season for military drills. He revealed that Taiwan is closely monitoring four Chinese naval formations operating in the western Pacific, assuring that the island has a comprehensive, real-time understanding of the security landscape in the Taiwan Strait and the broader region. Taiwan's Presidential Office spokesperson, Karen Kuo, reiterated the nation's commitment to collaborating with international partners to deter any unilateral actions that could destabilize the region.

While Japan's Self-Defense Forces refrained from commenting directly on specific Chinese military movements, they acknowledged China's apparent efforts to enhance its operational capabilities in more distant maritime and air spaces through naval expansion. The intelligence reports indicated that some Chinese vessels in the area have carried out mock attacks on foreign ships and practiced 'access-denial' operations, strategies designed to prevent external forces from providing reinforcement during a conflict. Despite the significant scale, some regional sources interpret the deployment as primarily routine exercises, with the number of Chinese ships near Taiwan itself not showing a significant increase.