Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense said it detected 21 Chinese military aircraft, including J-16 fighter jets and unmanned aerial vehicles, operating around Taiwan on Monday alongside Chinese naval vessels participating in what Beijing describes as a joint combat readiness patrol.

The patrol marked the second such operation within a week and came as Taiwan remains alert to potential shifts in Chinese military behavior following discussions on Taiwan between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump during Trump’s recent visit to Beijing.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has steadily increased military pressure on the island through frequent deployments of warships and military aircraft. Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and maintains that only the island’s people can determine their future.

According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, the Chinese aircraft and naval vessels operated around multiple sectors of the island before the patrol concluded. Taipei responded by dispatching ships and combat aircraft to monitor the movements and maintain surveillance.

The ministry also released images captured by Taiwanese forces, including photographs from an F-16 fighter showing two Chinese aircraft flying near a Y-20 aerial refueling tanker. Additional images showed the Chinese guided-missile destroyer Yinchuan and a Taiwanese sailor observing the vessel through binoculars.

Speaking in Taipei on Tuesday, Pan Chun-kuang of the defense ministry’s intelligence department said the latest patrol had ended but stressed that Taiwan continued to monitor Chinese military activities in surrounding waters and airspace.

Pan said Taiwan was closely tracking the movements of China’s aircraft carrier Liaoning in the Western Pacific and would provide additional information on Chinese deployments when necessary.

The latest operation followed a similar Chinese readiness patrol conducted last Tuesday, one day before Taiwan President Lai Ching-te marked the second anniversary of his administration. Beijing has repeatedly labeled Lai a separatist and has rejected his offers for dialogue.

Military activity has also extended beyond the Taiwan Strait. Over the weekend, Taiwan’s coast guard reported an encounter with a Chinese coast guard vessel near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, a strategically important outpost in the northern reaches of the South China Sea.

Separately, Taiwan National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu said on social media that approximately 100 Chinese vessels were operating within the so-called first island chain, a strategic maritime corridor stretching from Japan through Taiwan to the Philippines.

China’s Ministry of National Defense did not immediately comment on Taiwan’s account of the patrol.

The increased tempo of Chinese military operations reflects Beijing’s continued effort to assert its claims over Taiwan while testing the island’s defensive readiness and signaling its opposition to any moves it perceives as supporting Taiwanese sovereignty.

Joseph Wu, secretary-general of Taiwan’s National Security Council, said in a post on X that the deployment had taken place over the past few days following U.S. President Donald Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Wu said China was undermining the status quo and threatening peace and stability in the region.

A Taiwan security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that Chinese vessels had been detected before the Beijing summit but that the number operating in the region had risen above 100 in recent days.

China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as part of its territory, has repeatedly stated that it reserves the right to use force to bring the island under its control.

Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims and maintains that only its people can determine the island’s future.The reported increase in Chinese maritime activity came days after Trump referred to “the Taiwan problem” when asked whether he would discuss arms sales with Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te.

Trump said he would speak with Lai and noted that he had held what he described as a productive meeting with Xi during his state visit to China.“We’ll work on that, the Taiwan problem,” Trump said on Wednesday.

Taiwan has frequently reported heightened Chinese military and coast guard operations around the island, activities that Taipei says are aimed at increasing pressure on its government and testing regional security responses.

The latest deployment, according to Taiwanese officials, extended across multiple strategic waterways in East Asia, underscoring Beijing’s expanding maritime presence at a time of heightened geopolitical scrutiny in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding seas.

Taiwan has been awaiting approval of a U.S. weapons package that Reuters previously reported could be worth as much as $14 billion. The issue has drawn increased attention after President Donald Trump said earlier this month that he had not yet decided whether to authorize the proposed sale following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.

Questions over the status of the package intensified after Acting U.S. Navy Secretary Hung Cao told a Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee hearing on Thursday that arms sales to Taiwan had been paused to ensure sufficient munitions were available for Operation Epic Fury, the military campaign launched by the United States and Israel against Iran in February.

A source familiar with the matter disputed that characterization, saying arms transfers to Taiwan require years of planning, review and implementation and are unrelated to the conflict with Iran.
“These sales take years to process and are unrelated to Operation Epic Fury,” the source said, adding that the U.S. military maintained adequate munitions inventories to support the administration’s strategic objectives.

The comments come as Washington seeks to balance support for Taiwan’s defense capabilities with broader management of relations with Beijing. China regards Taiwan as part of its territory and has repeatedly opposed U.S. arms sales to the island, urging Washington to halt such transfers.

The United States, while maintaining unofficial relations with Taiwan, is obligated under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide the self-governed island with the means to defend itself.

Following Trump’s meeting with Xi, U.S. officials reiterated that Washington’s policy toward Taiwan remains unchanged.

Taiwan’s government said on Friday it had not received any information indicating delays to pending U.S. arms sales.

Taipei rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims, maintaining that only the island’s people can determine their future.

Speaking at a news conference in Taipei marking two years since taking office, Lai said Taiwan remained committed to maintaining the status quo while accusing Beijing of escalating military pressure across the Indo-Pacific region.

“My government is committed to maintaining the status quo, and Taiwan is also a guardian of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” Lai said.

“China is the one undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait,” he added, citing Beijing’s expanding military exercises and deployments extending into the western Pacific.

The remarks came after Trump suggested last week that future US arms sales to Taiwan could serve as a bargaining tool in negotiations with China following meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Trump also indicated he was considering whether to hold direct talks with Lai, which would mark a significant break from decades of US diplomatic practice.

Washington shifted formal diplomatic recognition from Taipei to Beijing in 1979, and no direct conversation between sitting US and Taiwanese presidents has occurred since then.

Lai said communication channels between Taipei and Washington remained open and that he would use any opportunity to convey the views of Taiwanese society directly to the US administration.

“The Republic of China, Taiwan, is a sovereign and independent country,” Lai said, using Taiwan’s formal constitutional name.

“No country has the right to annex Taiwan. The people of Taiwan pursue a democratic and free way of life.”
Lai also defended Taiwan’s continued purchases of US weapons systems, describing military procurement as necessary to preserve peace and deterrence across the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan has increased defense spending amid rising Chinese military activity around the island and continued pressure from Washington for Taipei to assume greater responsibility for its own defense.
In Beijing, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office dismissed Lai’s comments, accusing Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party of destabilizing the region.

Spokesperson Zhu Fenglian said Taiwan could not prevent what she described as the “historical trend” of reunification with the mainland.
China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, has never renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control, though it continues to publicly advocate what it calls “peaceful reunification.”

Taiwan recently reported increased Chinese military operations near the island and published rare images of Chinese fighter aircraft and naval vessels operating in nearby waters.

Lai reiterated that Taiwan’s future could only be decided by its people and said Taipei remained willing to engage in dialogue with Beijing on the basis of equality and dignity.

The remarks came after Trump’s summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, where the US president acknowledged uncertainty over future military sales to Taiwan, raising questions about Washington’s security commitment to the self-governed island claimed by China.

Despite having no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan, the United States remains Taipei’s most significant international supporter and is required under the Taiwan Relations Act to provide the island with defensive weapons.

Karen Kuo, spokesperson for Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, said China’s intensifying military activities represented the main destabilizing force in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Taiwan Strait.

“Military sales between Taiwan and the US are not only a reflection of the US security commitment to Taiwan as stipulated in the Taiwan Relations Act, but also serve as a mutual deterrence against regional threats,” Kuo said in a statement.She added that Taiwan appreciated Trump’s continued support for stability in the Taiwan Strait and would continue strengthening cooperation with Washington.

Reuters previously reported that a proposed second US arms package for Taiwan valued at approximately $14 billion remains pending approval after the Trump administration approved an $11 billion package in December.

Taiwanese Deputy Foreign Minister Chen Ming-chi declined to comment directly on the pending sale, saying discussions remained ongoing with Washington.Taiwan’s government has also struggled to secure passage of a broader $40 billion defense spending proposal through an opposition-controlled parliament.

Earlier this month lawmakers approved roughly two-thirds of the requested budget, specifically allocating it for US arms procurement.US lawmakers from both major parties have urged the administration to continue supporting Taiwan militarily amid growing pressure from Beijing.

Trump also suggested he could speak directly with Lai regarding the proposed sale, telling reporters after his meeting with Xi that he needed to talk with “the person that’s running Taiwan.”Chen said Taipei was still trying to determine the “true intent” behind Trump’s comments.

A senior Taiwanese security official, speaking anonymously because of the issue’s sensitivity, said arms discussions should involve Taiwan rather than Beijing.China has increased military operations around Taiwan in recent years and has not ruled out using force to bring the island under its control.

Beijing rejects Lai’s government and labels him a separatist.Kuo reiterated Taiwan’s position that the Republic of China, the island’s formal name, is “a sovereign, independent democratic country,” dismissing Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

The move marks the strongest language used by Chinese officials since the controversy began two weeks ago, signaling a sharp rise in diplomatic tensions.

In a letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General, China’s representative stated that Japan’s recent comments violated international law and diplomatic norms.
The letter warned that any attempt by Japan to involve itself militarily in a cross-Strait conflict would be treated as an act of aggression.

Chinese officials emphasized that the country would exercise its right to self-defence under the UN Charter and international law if challenged.
They reiterated that China would firmly defend its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and core interests.

The dispute began after the Japanese prime minister said earlier this month that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could fall under a legal category that permits Japan to deploy its military.
Her remarks ended years of strategic ambiguity and ignited a wave of strong criticism from Beijing.

China views Taiwan as part of its own territory and has not ruled out the possibility of unification through force.
Taiwan’s government has rejected Beijing’s claims, stating that only the island’s people can determine their future.

Japan’s government did not immediately respond to the comments made at the UN.
However, analysts say the situation represents the most serious bilateral confrontation between the two countries in years.

Tensions have expanded beyond diplomatic statements.
Chinese authorities recently said trade cooperation has been harmed, and several planned performances by Japanese musicians in China have been cancelled.

China urged Japan to withdraw what it called “erroneous remarks” and avoid escalating the situation any further.
Officials warned that continued provocations risk crossing serious political and diplomatic red lines.

Japan’s position is influenced by Taiwan’s proximity to its southwestern islands, which lie just over 100 kilometers from Taiwanese territory.
Security experts in Tokyo argue that any instability in the Taiwan Strait directly affects Japan’s national security.

China has continued referencing historical events in its criticisms.
Ahead of the 80th anniversary of Japan’s defeat in World War II, Beijing has increasingly invoked Japan’s wartime actions to reinforce its arguments.

Chinese officials also highlighted the country’s role in shaping the postwar international order.
They said declarations issued during that period envisioned that Taiwan and other territories previously under Japanese occupation would return to Chinese governance.

These declarations, including the Cairo and Potsdam statements, are cited by China as the historical foundation for its claims over Taiwan.
However, many governments consider these declarations political commitments rather than legally binding agreements.

Complicating matters further, the documents were signed by the Republic of China government, which relocated to Taiwan after the Chinese civil war.
Taiwan held China’s UN seat until it was transferred to the Beijing-based government in the early 1970s.

The broader regional context also shapes the dispute.
The Asia-Pacific region has seen rising concerns about security, alliances, and the balance of power, with Taiwan emerging as a central issue.

Japan has strengthened ties with several partners in recent years, citing concerns about increasing military activity near its borders.
Chinese officials argue that moves by Japan and its allies contribute to unnecessary tensions.

Observers say the current rift could impact regional diplomacy if not handled carefully.
Both nations have significant economic ties, which risk being strained further if the disagreement intensifies.

Despite the harsh exchanges, diplomatic experts believe space remains for dialogue.
They note that both sides may prefer to avoid allowing the dispute to spiral into broader instability.

For now, the episode has placed renewed attention on the fragile dynamics of Taiwan-related issues.
It also underscores how quickly statements by political leaders can escalate into wider geopolitical friction.

Officials in Beijing expressed their determination to create conditions for constructive engagement, while also reaffirming the country’s sovereignty and unity as central to its national vision.

At a recent news conference, a spokesperson from China’s Taiwan Affairs Office stated that while Beijing remains dedicated to peace, it will continue to uphold its responsibility to safeguard territorial integrity.

The official explained that peaceful reunification under the “one country, two systems” framework offers significant opportunities for both sides, ensuring stability, prosperity, and mutual development.

The spokesperson noted that China’s approach toward Taiwan is guided by the principle of goodwill and patience. “We are willing to create ample space for peaceful reunification and will spare no effort to pursue this prospect with the utmost sincerity,” he said.

This reflects Beijing’s belief that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, cultural exchange, and economic cooperation that benefit people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

However, the official also clarified that China would continue to safeguard its sovereignty and security interests. While the preference remains dialogue over confrontation, the country maintains its right to take necessary measures should external interference or secessionist activities threaten regional peace.

This balance of firmness and flexibility underscores China’s broader strategy of promoting harmony while protecting its national interests.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s leadership reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region. During an address to military officers, President Lai Ching-te emphasized that Taiwan seeks cooperation, not confrontation, and that preserving peace across the strait remains a shared responsibility.

He urged continued focus on strengthening Taiwan’s defense and maintaining open channels of communication to prevent misunderstanding and escalation.

Observers noted that recent discussions in Chinese media highlighted a vision of how “patriots” from Taiwan could play constructive roles in governance and development under peaceful reunification.

These perspectives suggest that Beijing is willing to accommodate Taiwan’s existing social and economic systems, ensuring that the island’s lifestyle, freedoms, and institutions are respected within a unified framework.

This renewed focus on peaceful dialogue comes at a time of heightened global attention, as world leaders prepare for key diplomatic meetings aimed at promoting regional stability.

The upcoming discussions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump in South Korea are expected to cover a range of strategic topics, including efforts to ease tensions in East Asia.

Both nations have expressed interest in preventing confrontation and fostering cooperation on economic and security issues.

Taiwanese officials have maintained that dialogue should be based on equality and respect. They have also pointed out that the island’s democratic values and open political system remain central to its identity.

Taiwan continues to advocate for constructive communication with Beijing while opposing external pressure or unilateral changes to the status quo.

Despite differing political perspectives, many experts believe that continued engagement could pave the way for greater understanding.

Economic and cultural exchanges between the mainland and Taiwan have already fostered stronger interpersonal ties, offering a foundation for mutual trust.

Business leaders and scholars on both sides continue to support initiatives that encourage trade, tourism, and education partnerships, seeing these as vital to reducing tensions.

China’s emphasis on peaceful reunification reflects its broader commitment to national development and stability. The country’s leadership continues to promote dialogue, regional cooperation, and inclusive growth as part of its vision for the future.

With open communication and mutual respect, many hope that both sides can continue moving toward a peaceful and prosperous coexistence.