Taiwan’s defence ministry reported a notable increase in Chinese military maneuvers near the island’s southwestern coast on Tuesday, though officials stressed that no live-fire exercises were observed.

The activity, which included a total of 45 Chinese military aircraft and 14 navy ships—seven of which were operating within a newly established “drill zone” in the Taiwan Strait—has raised alarms in Taipei amid ongoing tensions with Beijing.

In a daily update, Taiwan’s defence ministry noted that the drill zone, located approximately 40 nautical miles off Taiwan and measuring about 70 nautical miles by 20 nautical miles, was set up for “shooting” drills. However, two senior officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that while the area witnessed significant Chinese military presence, no live ammunition or firing was detected during the exercises.

“This is extremely rare and exceeds general expectations,” one official commented, referring to the lack of prior warning from Chinese forces—an approach similar to recent military activities in the South China Sea and off Australia’s coast. Taiwan’s foreign ministry condemned the actions, labeling China as the “biggest troublemaker” in the region and calling on the international community to jointly oppose what it sees as unilateral and destabilizing measures.

The increased military activity comes as tensions continue to simmer over Taiwan’s contested status. Beijing claims Taiwan as its own territory, while Taipei steadfastly rejects this assertion and remains sensitive to what it describes as “grey zone” tactics, such as unannounced balloon overflights and sand dredging, intended to pressure the island.

Adding to the geopolitical strain, Taiwan detained a China-linked cargo vessel on Wednesday after an undersea communications cable to the Penghu Islands was disconnected. Chinese authorities dismissed Taiwan’s claims, describing such cable incidents as “common maritime accidents” and accusing the Taiwanese government of political manipulation by drawing premature conclusions.

In Washington, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated America’s commitment to Taiwan’s security, emphasizing that the U.S. remains opposed to any forced change in the island’s status. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump declined to comment on the matter, leaving the response of the U.S. administration on this latest escalation uncertain.

Looking ahead, Taiwan is closely monitoring the situation as China prepares for its annual parliamentary meeting next week, when its defense budget will be unveiled. Analysts note that the timing is particularly sensitive, with March marking the 20th anniversary of China’s “anti-secession law”—a statute that permits the use of force in extreme cases involving Taiwan.

As Taiwan braces for further challenges, officials have stressed that “the best preparations for the worst-case scenario” are underway, even as they criticize the recent escalation for undermining cross-strait stability. With regional security on edge, the international community is being urged to remain vigilant in monitoring these developments in the Taiwan Strait.

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