China is significantly increasing maritime pressure around Taiwan, with a record number of Chinese vessels detected near the island as Taipei moves to strengthen its defenses.

Taiwan’s Coast Guard says 244 Chinese vessels were detected around the main island in July, averaging nearly eight ships per day. The figure represents a sharp increase from 55 vessels in June and 30 in May.

The surge has raised concerns among Taiwanese officials and analysts over whether China’s growing maritime presence could be more than a show of strength, including possible preparations for undersea warfare, maritime pressure or a future blockade.

Another major concern is China’s military-civil fusion strategy, under which civilian maritime assets can potentially be requisitioned for national defense purposes. Analysts warn that commercial vessels could provide additional transport capacity during a potential military operation.

Meanwhile, Taiwan is strengthening its own defenses. The island’s opposition-controlled parliament rejected a proposed $6.6 billion special drone budget, instead approving approximately $1.26 billion annually for military drones, amounting to around $7.6 billion over six years through regular budgets.

Taiwan has also conducted a major military exercise involving more than 5,000 reservists across two brigades, highlighting Taipei’s growing focus on preparing for potential threats.

The tensions stem from Beijing’s claim that Taiwan is part of China and its refusal to rule out the use of force to take control of the self-governed island. Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and maintains that the People’s Republic of China has never governed Taiwan.

Taiwan On Alert As Record Chinese Ships Raise Blockade Fears

A US Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft conducted a transit through the Taiwan Strait on Friday, drawing close attention from China as Washington and Beijing prepare for a planned meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The US 7th Fleet said the aircraft operated in international airspace and described the mission as demonstrating Washington’s commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific and freedom of navigation under international law.

China closely monitored the aircraft during the transit. Beijing has repeatedly objected to US military activity in the Taiwan Strait and considers Taiwan a core national interest.

The latest US Navy operation comes amid ongoing US-China tensions over Taiwan, trade, technology restrictions and artificial intelligence, even as both countries seek to stabilize relations.

US Navy P-8A Flies Through Taiwan Strait Ahead Of Trump-Xi Meeting | China Reacts

Taiwan has stepped up military readiness with its annual Han Kuang military exercises, designed to test the island’s ability to respond to a potential Chinese attack.

The drills use live troops, real terrain and military equipment to test command coordination, combat responsiveness and homeland defence capabilities.

Taiwanese authorities say the exercises are aimed at strengthening national defence capabilities and improving coordination between the military and coast guard in the face of external threats.

The annual drills come amid continued tensions across the Taiwan Strait and growing concerns over China’s military pressure on Taiwan.

Taiwan Begins Han Kuang Military Drills to Prepare for Potential Chinese Attack

Taiwan’s military has conducted a major nuclear, biological and chemical (NBC) decontamination exercise as part of its ongoing annual Han Kuang military drills.

The exercise in Hualien on Taiwan’s east coast simulated a chemical weapons attack involving personnel, tanks and armoured vehicles. Troops practised rapidly moving contaminated vehicles away from danger, identifying contaminated areas, detecting toxic substances and removing hazardous materials.

Soldiers wearing full protective equipment also underwent body decontamination, while tanks and armoured vehicles were cleaned and disinfected according to designated procedures.

The NBC exercise is one part of the wider Han Kuang military drills, Taiwan’s largest annual military exercises designed to test and strengthen combat readiness against a range of potential threats.

Taiwan Conducts NBC Decontamination Drill | Han Kuang Exercises Simulate Chemical Attack 

Trade-dependent Taiwan has made "relatively" good progress towards joining the revamped version of the Trans-Pacific Partnership

Taiwan talks up trans-Pacific trade pact after exclusion from new deal

Earlier Taiwan Defence Ministry had said that Chinese fighter jets entered Taiwan’s southwestern region for two consecutive days. It added that Taiwan responded accordingly and urge PLA to practice restraint.

WION Dispatch: Taiwan warns China for flying fighter jets into its airspace

Taiwan has been in the news a lot lately, especially owing to the strained relationship with China, and the newly found global support.

3-year-old girl flung into the air by a humongous kite in Taiwan

The Taiwanese capital held its annual LGBT Pride parade on Sunday, making it one of the few places in the world to proceed with such an event in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hong Kong and Taiwan offer contrasting tales of freedom: Hosts gay pride for the world

Taiwan resumes domestic tourism as COVID-19 cases decline, yesterday the Taiwanese capital held its annual LGBT Pride parade on Sunday, making it one of the few places in the world to proceed with such an event in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Taiwan resumes domestic tourism as COVID-19 cases decline

Taiwan stages LGBT pride parade for the world