Taiwan Showcases Naval Might Amid Rising Tensions with China

TWTaiwan|

Taiwan's navy conducted a significant demonstration of its maritime defense capabilities on Thursday, showcasing its Kuang Hua VI-class missile boats and Tuo Chiang-class corvettes near Kaohsiung, the island’s largest port. This exercise illustrates Taiwan's strategic efforts to deter a potential Chinese invasion as military tensions escalate in the region.

The drills involved indigenous fast attack missile boats armed with Hsiung Feng II anti-ship missiles. These vessels are designed to swiftly engage enemy targets, maintaining operational readiness within Taiwan's contiguous zone, which extends 44 kilometers off its coast.

Taiwan's military response is increasingly crucial as China intensifies its military presence in the Taiwan Strait, frequently sending ships and aircraft to challenge Taiwan’s sovereignty. The Taiwanese government urged China to cease its military activities, emphasizing their detrimental impact on regional stability and international commerce.

This naval exercise is part of Taiwan's broader strategy to employ asymmetric warfare tactics to effectively counter China's larger military. Officials highlighted the Tuo Chiang corvette's advanced design, which combines speed and stealth, allowing it to maintain a competitive edge against heavier Chinese naval forces. Despite bolstering its domestic defense production, Taiwan continues to rely heavily on American military technology.

Rear Admiral Chen Ming-feng, commander of the navy's 192 Fleet, reiterated Taiwan's commitment to self-defense, stating, "We are always ready to respond quickly and can handle any kind of maritime situation." As communication between Taiwan and China remains strained, Beijing persists in asserting its claim over the island, further complicating the regional security landscape.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from Taiwan

US Criticism Follows China’s Military Drills Near Taiwan

The United States has condemned China's recent military exercises around Taiwan, characterizing them as "intimidation tactics" that compromise regional security. On Tuesday, the People's Liberation Army (PLA) initiated unannounced maneuvers, utilizing 76 aircraft and over 20 naval vessels, including the Shandong aircraft carrier, to conduct practice blockades and strikes in the Taiwan Strait. According to a statement from Taiwan's defense ministry, no significant incursions were reported into its territory during the drills. The exercises, dubbed “Strait Thunder-2025A” by Chinese authorities, are intended to strengthen China's military capabilities regarding interception and area control, as stated by PLA officials. Acknowledging the escalation, a U.S. State Department spokesperson reaffirmed America's commitment to Taiwan and underscored opposition to any unilateral attempts to alter the status quo. Concerns have also been echoed by Japan and the European Union, with officials urging against actions that could heighten tensions. In response, the Chinese foreign ministry labeled these criticisms as unwarranted and reaffirmed Taiwan as a core internal issue. Analysts note that recent PLA drills reflect a strategy of asserting Chinese claims over Taiwan amidst increasing regional friction.
TWTaiwan

Taiwan Sentences Four Soldiers to Prison for Spying for China

A Taipei court has sentenced four Taiwanese soldiers, three of whom were part of President Tsai Ing-wen’s security team, to prison terms of up to seven years for espionage. The soldiers were convicted of passing confidential military information to Chinese intelligence agents from 2022 to 2024, infringing on national security laws, according to the Taipei district court. The court revealed that the soldiers were compensated between approximately $8,600 and $21,000 for taking photos of sensitive military documents with their mobile phones. Three of them had been discharged prior to the investigation, which was initiated following a tip-off last August, while the fourth was suspended. The ruling comes amidst heightened scrutiny of Chinese espionage efforts in Taiwan. President Lai Ching-te recently declared China a "foreign hostile power" and announced measures to combat espionage, including reinstating military courts for related cases. Taiwan’s intelligence agency noted a significant increase in espionage prosecutions, with 64 individuals charged in 2024 compared to 10 in 2022.
TWTaiwan

China Issues Stark Warning to Taiwan Amid Increased Military Activity

On March 9, 2025, China's military escalated its rhetoric against Taiwan, vowing to tighten a "noose" around the island should separatist movements intensify. Wu Qian, a spokesman for the People's Liberation Army (PLA), emphasized the military's commitment to countering separatism, announcing heightened military drills and patrols. This statement coincided with a significant 7.2% increase in China's defense budget for 2025, aimed at military modernization in response to growing competition from the United States, according to officials. Taiwan reported an uptick in Chinese military activities, including multiple aircraft incursions, naval vessels, and surveillance balloons in its vicinity. Analysts noted that the heightened tensions reflect Beijing's ongoing assertion of sovereignty over Taiwan. In contrast, Beijing dismissed Taiwan's concerns, labeling its military operations as routine training exercises. The situation continues to evolve as both sides ramp up their military readiness, raising alarms about potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait.
TWTaiwan
All Taiwan News ->