Taiwan has gone on alert after detecting two Chinese warships operating near the Penghu Islands, a strategically important area that hosts key naval and air force bases.
Taipei said it responded by deploying its own naval and air units to monitor the situation closely.
While the defence ministry routinely reports on Chinese aircraft movements, it rarely provides details about naval forces making this disclosure unusual.
According to officials, the vessels identified as a destroyer and a frigate were spotted southwest of the islands, close to Taiwan-controlled waters in the strait.
The military said it tracked the ships and took what it described as “appropriate” measures, though it did not go into specifics.
China has stepped up its military presence around Taiwan in recent years, regularly sending warships and aircraft into nearby waters and airspace.
China claims Taiwan as its own territory, a position the island’s government firmly rejects.
Speaking in Taipei, President Lai Ching-te warned that Beijing’s tactics are becoming more persistent and calculated.
He said China is using so-called “grey-zone” operations pressure tactics that fall short of open conflict to wear down Taiwan and gradually shift the status quo.
In its latest daily update, Taiwan’s defence ministry said it had tracked nine Chinese warships and 22 military aircraft around the island over the past 24 hours.
While aircraft positions were mapped out, the ministry did not disclose where the naval vessels were operating.
Authorities say the coast guard is playing a growing role in monitoring these activities alongside the navy.
Lai added that Taiwan plans to strengthen its surveillance capabilities, including wider use of drones, advanced radar systems, and infrared tracking technology.
Taiwan maintains that its future can only be decided by its own people, despite ongoing pressure from Beijing.
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