Taiwan warns of China's growing military control in surrounding waters

Taiwan has expressed concern over China's strengthening grip on air and sea domains surrounding the island, citing what officials describe as increasingly erratic military behaviour from Beijing.

According to Taipei's latest annual review of security threats, the Chinese military has been systematically expanding its operational reach and control over critical air corridors and maritime routes near Taiwan. The assessment underscores growing alarm over the unpredictability of Beijing's military activities, which have intensified in frequency and scope over recent years.

The Taiwanese defence establishment also noted that China has been actively studying military lessons from recent conflicts, particularly developments in the Middle East involving Iran and its regional operations. These observations suggest Beijing is refining its strategic thinking based on contemporary geopolitical events and potential conflict scenarios.

The report reflects deepening concerns among Taiwan's security officials about the military imbalance in the Taiwan Strait, where Chinese forces significantly outnumber those of the island nation. The assessment comes amid sustained cross-strait tensions and international scrutiny over Beijing's assertive military posture in the broader Indo-Pacific region.

Taiwan has previously called on its international partners to maintain vigilance regarding Chinese military activities, emphasising the importance of maintaining peace and stability in one of Asia's most strategically significant maritime domains.