Sharp Rise in Chinese Coast Guard Activity Raises Taiwan’s Supply-Route Concerns

Taiwan’s coast guard recorded 55 sightings of Chinese government vessels—including coast-guard and research ships—around the island in June, up from 30 in May. The increase represents an 83 % jump from the previous month and a 120 % rise compared with June 2025. The tally excludes vessels near Taiwan-controlled islands close to the Chinese mainland. Officials note that many of the coast-guard ships have been converted from former naval destroyers, giving them greater size, endurance and military-grade capabilities.

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In response, Taipei plans live drills that simulate Chinese escalations off its Pacific coast. The drills are intended to test joint navy-coast-guard actions to protect “lifeline sea routes” that could be threatened by a blockade or quasi-war scenario. Authorities say the exercises complement earlier tabletop scenarios and aim to ensure readiness should Beijing attempt to sever Taiwan’s Pacific supply lines.

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A senior Taiwan Coast Guard official emphasized that the heightened presence strains the island’s limited coast-guard fleet. The official also said Taiwan has broadcast to merchant vessels, urging them to maintain normal navigation and disregard Chinese interference. China’s defence ministry and Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to comment requests.

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A second senior official described the surge as “expansion” intended to change the status quo. He added that China’s coast guard has been broadcasting questions to merchant ships about port entry and exit information, pressuring commercial traffic even though no vessels have altered course. The official argued that Beijing is attempting to create “something out of nothing” because it lacks jurisdiction.

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• “If the situation escalates to a blockade – or what would already amount to a quasi-war – we have plans to work with the navy to jointly protect Taiwan’s lifeline sea routes,” — senior Taiwan Coast Guard official

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• “We have anticipated this scenario not only through tabletop exercises but also through live drills,” — senior Taiwan Coast Guard official

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• “It knows it has no jurisdiction now, so it is trying to create something out of nothing,” — second senior Taiwan Coast Guard official

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• “This places a major strain on the capacity of Taiwan's coast guard vessels,” — senior Taiwan Coast Guard official

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