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China's Naval Encircling of Taiwan Sparks Regional Tensions and U.S. Call for Restraint

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected six Chinese naval vessels, an official ship, and two balloons near its waters, responding with monitoring and countermeasures. This follows earlier sightings of Chinese military aircraft and vessels, including incursions across the median line into Taiwan's air defense identification zone. Taiwan's former foreign minister, Joseph Wu, accused China of intimidation through military exercises and thanked the U.S. for urging restraint. The heightened activity raises regional concerns over stability and the risk of miscalculation in the Taiwan Strait.

Key Points: China Ships, Balloons Near Taiwan; U.S. Urges Restraint

  • Chinese naval activity near Taiwan
  • Balloon incursions detected
  • U.S. calls for reduced tensions
  • Taiwan monitors and responds
  • Regional stability concerns
2 min read

China's 6 vessels, 1 official ship encircle Taiwan

Taiwan reports Chinese naval vessels, official ships, and balloons near its waters, amid military drills and U.S. calls for reduced tensions in the Indo-Pacific.

"China's military exercises toward Taiwan and others in the region were designed to intimidate and coerce countries in the Indo-Pacific. – Joseph Wu"

Taipei, January 2

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected six naval vessels, an official ship and two balloons around its territorial waters as of 6am on Friday.

The MND said they responded according to the situation.

In a post on X, the MND said, "6 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 2 PRC balloons were detected during this timeframe. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded."

Earlier on Thursday, Taiwan detected three sorties of Chinese military aircraft, 17 naval vessels and eight official ships operating around its territorial waters. Of the three, one sortie crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ.

In a post on X, the MND said, "(U) 3 sorties of PLA aircraft, 17 PLAN vessels and 8 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 1 out of 3 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded."

Earlier in the day, Taiwan's Secretary-General of the National Security Council and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Joseph Wu widely known has publicly thanked the United States for urging restraint following China's latest military exercises near Taiwan and across the wider region.

In a post on X.com, Wu said China's recent drills were aimed at intimidation and coercion, warning that such actions are destabilizing for the Indo-Pacific. "China's military exercises toward Taiwan and others in the region were designed to intimidate and coerce countries in the Indo-Pacific. They're provocative and escalatory," he wrote. He expressed appreciation to the US State Department for issuing a statement on New Year's Day calling on Beijing to reduce tensions.

Wu's remarks came amid heightened concern in Taipei and among regional partners after the People's Liberation Army conducted large-scale live-fire exercises around Taiwan. The drills involved naval and air forces operating in multiple zones near the island, drawing criticism for raising the risk of miscalculation and threatening civilian air and maritime traffic.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
The balloons are a new, concerning tactic. It feels like a psychological game as much as a military one. India must watch this closely. Our own border situation demands that we understand all forms of pressure Beijing employs. Stay strong, Taiwan! 🇮🇳
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Aman W
While China's actions are aggressive, we must also be realistic. The One-China policy is a complex diplomatic reality. India's position has always been clear. The focus should be on dialogue and de-escalation to protect peace for everyone in the region.
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Sarah B
The scale is increasing - from 3 sorties to 6 vessels plus balloons in a day. This isn't just a message to Taiwan, but to all democracies. The international community, including India, needs a coordinated response to such coercion. Freedom of navigation is key.
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Vikram M
Joseph Wu is right to call it intimidation. We've seen similar tactics elsewhere. The world cannot normalize this behavior. India should continue strengthening its own partnerships in the Quad and ASEAN to ensure a balance of power. Jai Hind!
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Karthik V
Respectfully, while the drills are provocative, Taiwan's leadership also needs to avoid statements that further inflame the situation. Stability requires responsibility from all sides. The common people on both sides of the strait suffer the most from this tension.

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