Chinese navy floods waters near Taiwan as regional tensions grow

Taiwanʼs defense team raised its alert status yesterday after spotting an unusual build-up of Chinese ships in nearby waters (a mix of navy and coast guard vessels reached almost 90 ships)

The ships spread across a wide area — from near Taiwan to spots close to southern Japanese islands; with two-thirds being military vessels. Chinaʼs defense office didnt respond to questions about this activity

China made seven no-fly zones east of its coastline lasting till wed: these areas stretch from Fujian to Zhejiang provinces. Some zones sit right between mainland China and Taiwan but most are near Shanghai and the East China Sea. Unlike past drills China hasnt said what its planning to do in these areas

Please be a civilized neighbouring country. Dont be a troublemaker all the time

The move looks like Chinaʼs answer to Lai Ching-teʼs recent pacific trip which included stops in Hawaii and Guam. Taiwanʼs security team says this is bigger than two earlier drills this year — its the first time theyʼve seen such a wide-spread formation targeting the whole island chain

Taiwanʼs coast guard spotted seven Chinese boats doing what they call grey-zone tricks (actions that stay below actual fighting) The military started combat-ready exercises at key spots while keeping watch. Meanwhile the US State Department is watching closely and asked China to stay calm saying a normal transit shouldnt cause such reaction

A US defense chief Lloyd Austin told sailors in Japan that Chinaʼs the only country with both the wish and growing power to change current world rules — especially about free movement in these waters