Image showing Chinese submarines and naval vessels sailing in formation during military exercises in the Pacific, illustrating China's reported deployment of more than 100 vessels near Taiwan in November 2026.
by

China Deploys More Than 100 Vessels in Unannounced Military Drills Near Taiwan

China deployed more than 100 naval and coast guard vessels across the western Pacific and around Taiwan in early November. The large-scale military exercises took place without any prior public announcement. The drills also included simulated attacks on foreign military forces and cities, including locations in Taiwan. These activities have raised fresh concerns about Beijing’s growing military pressure on the self-governed island.

Map showing Taiwan surrounded by red vessel markers, highlighting China's expanded naval presence in the surrounding waters.

According to a senior Taiwanese security official, the latest Chinese naval deployment exceeded the scale of Justice Mission 2025, Beijing’s previous formally named military exercises targeting Taiwan, which took place nearly a year earlier. The official described the latest operation as one of China’s largest naval deployments to date. Consequently, Taipei has repeatedly protested against Beijing’s military activities. However, Beijing described the aircraft carrier’s movements as routine exercises and said they did not target any particular country.

China’s Global Times Warns Taiwan as Chinese Naval Activity Continues

China’s state-backed newspaper Global Times warned Taiwan on Friday that its ruling party could face serious consequences if it continued pursuing independence with foreign support or through military means. The newspaper also accused the party of pushing Taiwan’s people closer to the risk of war. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo described China’s military activities in the western Pacific as “area denial” exercises. He said the operations involved an aircraft carrier and other naval formations.

Taiwanese officials described the wider Chinese military operation as “silent intimidation.” They said Beijing aimed to pressure Taiwan and other governments ahead of major international meetings. Taiwan’s National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu reported that Chinese naval groups, including the Liaoning aircraft carrier strike group, remained active in waters east of the Philippines. He also noted continued Chinese air force activity near Taiwan. In addition, a foreign intelligence source suggested that Beijing had deliberately avoided announcing the broader military drills to reduce the risk of diplomatic backlash. The lack of a public announcement, therefore, added to concerns about China’s military pressure across the western Pacific.

China’s Military Drills Raise Questions Ahead of Trump-Xi Meeting at APEC Summit

China’s latest military activity near Taiwan comes ahead of the APEC leaders’ summit in Shenzhen next week. U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet for the third time this year. Taiwan also participates in the APEC forum and has asked Beijing for written guarantees that its delegation can attend all meetings with equality, dignity, and security. Presidential Office spokesperson Karen Kuo said equal participation follows established APEC practices. As regional leaders prepare for the summit, the timing has drawn fresh attention to China’s military movements across the western Pacific.

However, Taiwanese officials have paid particular attention to the scale and timing of China’s latest naval deployment. During a policy speech on Thursday, Xi called for peaceful “reunification” with Taiwan but did not mention the use of force. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory, although the island has its own democratically elected government and governs itself. Over the past five years, China has increased its military pressure on the island. Consequently, Taipei has repeatedly protested against Beijing’s actions, while Western governments have expressed growing concern about the risk of a regional confrontation. These tensions add a security dimension to the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting at the APEC summit.

Web Resources On China Holds Unannounced Military Drills Near Taiwan

1. Reuters : China stages unannounced Pacific drills in ‘silent intimidation’ of Taiwan, officials say
2. The JapanTimes : China stages unannounced Pacific drills in ‘silent intimidation’ push: Taiwan officials.
3. Academic Block : Taiwan to Attend China’s APEC Summit on an ‘Equal Basis,’ President Says.

Leave a Comment