Taiwan, Japan Warn of Expanded Chinese Military Activity in East Asian Waters

Taipei announced an additional $40 billion in defense funding to counter China’s accelerating preparations for a potential forced unification.

Customers in Beijing dine near a giant screen broadcasting news footage of aircraft under the Eastern Theatre Command of the Chinese military taking part in a combat readiness patrol and "Joint Sword" exercises around Taiwan, on Apr. 10, 2023. Tingshu Wang/Reuters

Taiwan and Japan expressed concern on Dec. 5 about what they described as a sharp rise in Chinese military and coast guard operations in East Asian waters.

Taiwan presidential spokesperson Karen Kuo told reporters in Taipei that President Lai Ching-te had directed the island’s security services to maintain constant vigilance amid what she described as widespread Chinese activity not limited to the Taiwan Strait.