Taiwan Says It Detects 2 Russian Frigates Near Its Waters

A general view of the Russian military frigate Admiral Gorshkov docked at the port of Richards Bay, South Africa, on Feb. 22, 2023. - On Feb. 17, South Africa embarked on a 10-day joint military exercise with Russia and China. Guillem Sartorio/AFP via Getty Images

Two Russian frigates were spotted sailing off the eastern coast of Taiwan on June 27, according to the Taiwanese defense ministry, a rare occurrence that could potentially escalate tensions in the region.

The Russian ships were seen “sailing from south to north through the eastern waters” of Taiwan, before leaving Taiwan’s response zone in Suao toward the southeast, the ministry said.