China significantly increased its maritime presence around Taiwan in July, deploying a record number of coast guard and government vessels. Taiwan’s coast guard recorded 244 Chinese ships around its main island during the month. That figure represents an average of nearly eight vessels each day.
The number marks a sharp increase from 55 ships recorded in June and 30 in May. It also exceeds the 58 vessels detected around Taiwan in July last year.
During the first 21 days of August, Taiwan detected another 152 Chinese vessels in surrounding waters.
Around 60% of the vessels were coast guard ships. Research vessels and other government-operated boats accounted for the remaining ships. The figures exclude Chinese military vessels, which regularly operate around Taiwan.
Taiwan’s coast guard described the growing activity as increasingly serious. Officials said the increased presence reflects a broader expansion of Chinese government vessels around the island.
China claims sovereignty over Taiwan and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control. Meanwhile, Taiwan maintains its own democratic government and rejects Beijing’s territorial claims.
Research Ships Raise Submarine Warfare Concerns
Analysts believe some of the increased maritime activity could support China’s preparations for submarine warfare.
Taiwan’s coast guard said China operates more than 120 oceanographic research vessels. It currently tracks around 41 of those vessels operating in Taiwan’s surrounding waters.
One vessel, the Tong Ji, reportedly circled Taiwan in May while tracking the edge of restricted waters. Authorities said the ship did not comply with orders to leave.
According to Taiwan’s coast guard, its activities likely included oceanographic sampling and seabed surveys. Such information could contribute to China’s “anti-submarine warfare databases”.
Ryan D. Martinson, an expert on Chinese maritime strategy at the US Naval War College, said research data could benefit China’s military.
“That kind of data/knowledge is highly useful for Chinese naval forces, which will operate in these waters in the event of a conflict,” Martinson said.
“It is especially important for anti-submarine warfare and submarine warfare.”
Maritime Pressure Adds to Taiwan’s Security Concerns
China has increasingly used coast guard and research vessels to assert its claims across disputed waters.
Analysts often describe these activities as “grey zone” tactics. Such operations apply pressure without directly crossing the threshold into open warfare.
Taiwan has also raised concerns about a possible quarantine or blockade. Such an operation could potentially restrict vessels carrying energy and other essential supplies. Since May, Taiwan has detected 1,247 Chinese ships around its main island and several outer islands.
The growing activity has therefore added another layer to Taiwan’s security challenges. For Taipei, the presence of civilian and government vessels can create pressure alongside China’s regular military deployments.
The latest figures suggest that Beijing is expanding its maritime activity around Taiwan. Consequently, officials and analysts are watching the region closely for further changes in China’s operations.
