Shipping Industry on Alert as China Stages Drills Near Taiwan

Merchant ships navigating one of the world’s busiest maritime routes have been urged to remain vigilant this week as China conducts large-scale military exercises near Taiwan.

Over the weekend, China significantly increased the presence of its navy and coast guard ships in the waters surrounding Taiwan, the southern Japanese islands, and the East and South China Seas. The total number of vessels reached approximately 90, with two-thirds believed to be navy ships. While China’s maritime drills are not uncommon, this marks the largest military exercise near Taiwan so far this year.

Adding to the tension, China has designated seven areas of airspace as off-limits for civilian flights. As a precautionary measure, Taiwan raised its alert status on Monday.

The restricted airspace will remain in effect from Monday through Wednesday. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported that six Chinese military aircraft crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait, entering Taiwan's southwestern air defense identification zone.

The Taiwan Coast Guard condemned the activity, describing the “grey zone” maneuvers by Chinese coast guard ships and the People’s Liberation Army as "China’s unilateral actions to undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait region.” It further stated that these actions “undermine cross-strait exchanges and escalate tensions.”

The coast guard also emphasized that "according to international law and the United Nations Charter, the Chinese Communist Party has no right to carry out any intrusion or law enforcement” within Taiwanese waters.

In response to the increased military activity, Taiwan's Military News Agency issued a warning to commercial shipping and fishing vessels operating near the exercise zones. Crews were urged to stay alert and prioritize safety as tensions escalate in the region.