China deployed two aircraft carrier groups and approximately 70 naval vessels in waters surrounding Taiwan throughout May, according to a Taiwanese security official. This maneuver marks one of Beijing’s most assertive displays of maritime power in recent years, intensifying concerns over the stability of the Asia-Pacific region.
Between May 1 and May 27, the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) orchestrated a series of operations involving up to 70 ships, including warships and support vessels, traversing areas from the Yellow Sea to the South China Sea. Notably, some of these ships passed through the Miyako Strait into the Western Pacific, conducting long-distance training and combined air-sea exercises. Additionally, 75 Chinese aircraft participated in three “combat readiness patrols” near Taiwan during the same period.
The deployment coincided with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s speech on May 20, marking his first year in office, and preceded the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore. Observers suggest that the timing underscores Beijing’s intent to project strength and deter perceived separatist movements in Taiwan.
China’s strategy extends beyond conventional military maneuvers. On May 19, 30 Chinese vessels lacking identification or port registry were detected near Taiwan’s Penghu archipelago. Taiwanese officials interpret this as a deliberate act of harassment, aligning with China’s “grey-zone” tactics. These tactics involve the use of non-military assets, such as maritime militia and fishing vessels, to exert pressure without triggering direct conflict. The ambiguity surrounding these operations complicates responses from Taiwan and its allies, as the activities often fall below the threshold of armed aggression.
The United States has expressed growing concern over China’s military posture. At the Shangri-La Dialogue, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth warned that China is “credibly preparing” to use military force to alter the regional balance of power. In response, China accused the U.S. of inciting conflict and interfering in its internal affairs, emphasizing that Taiwan remains a domestic issue.
Australia, a key U.S. ally, faces its own strategic dilemmas. While U.S. officials have urged Canberra to increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has resisted, advocating for targeted investments based on practical needs. This stance reflects broader regional hesitancy to fully align with U.S. defense strategies, as nations balance economic ties with China against security concerns.
Amid these tensions, Taiwan is actively seeking to bolster its defense capabilities. Retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery disclosed the existence of a U.S. training team in Taiwan, comprising approximately 500 personnel, with recommendations to double its size. This initiative aligns with the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act, aiming to strengthen Taiwan’s military readiness through training and equipment support.
However, challenges persist. Despite over $70 billion in U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, a significant portion of these weapons has yet to be delivered. Delays in procurement and training rollout hinder Taiwan’s ability to effectively deter potential aggression.
China’s recent naval deployments around Taiwan signify a calculated effort to assert dominance and test the resolve of Taiwan and its allies. By combining conventional military exercises with grey-zone tactics, Beijing seeks to pressure Taipei into acquiescence without provoking outright conflict. The international community faces the challenge of responding to these maneuvers in a manner that upholds regional stability while deterring further escalation. As tensions mount, the strategic decisions made in the coming months will be pivotal in shaping the future security landscape of the Asia-Pacific region.
