Taiwan Boosts Island Defences Amid Rising Chinese Activity

Taiwan is set to reinforce its military presence on the Pratas Islands, a group of reefs located at the northern edge of the South China Sea. The islands lie more than 400 kilometres from Taiwan’s main coast, making them a potential target for Chinese forces. Because the Pratas are only lightly guarded by Taiwan’s coastguard, officials say the area is vulnerable. China also claims ownership of the islands, leading to a tense standoff over sovereignty. In recent months, Chinese coastguard vessels have increased their patrols around the Pratas, a shift from earlier operations that focused mainly on Taiwan’s own waters and nearby Kinmen islands. This rise in activity is described by Taiwanese officials as “grey‑zone harassment, ” a strategy that applies pressure without overt military confrontation.To counter this, Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council has upgraded the main island’s wharf and plans to deploy larger, more capable ships on a regular basis. The new vessels will be better suited for rapid response and could carry advanced weaponry if the situation escalates. The move comes after a Chinese drone briefly flew over the islands last January, an act Taiwan’s defence ministry called provocative. Officials argue that such incidents drain resources from essential tasks like maritime rescue, underscoring the need for stronger preparedness. Looking ahead, Taiwan’s coastguard is preparing to shift quickly from peacetime duties to wartime operations. The Anping‑class corvettes, based on the navy’s Tuo Chiang class, are designed to accommodate anti‑ship missiles and will play a key role in any future conflict.