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Taiwan on alert after spotting two Chinese warships near Penghu islands
Taiwan said two Chinese warships—a destroyer and a frigate—were detected near the Penghu islands, prompting naval and air surveillance. The following day, Taiwan reported multiple Chinese warships and aircraft around the island, and President Lai Ching-te called out grey-zone tactics while pledging strengthened Coast Guard capabilities.
Why It Matters
The incident illustrates ongoing Chinese activity around Taiwan and Taiwan's ongoing surveillance and defense posture, including efforts to bolster Coast Guard and integrated surveillance capabilities.
Timeline
4 Events
Lai Ching-te discusses grey-zone tactics and Coast Guard strengthening
April 28, 2026
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te told Coast Guard officers that China's 'grey-zone' operations and psychological pressure have grown day by day. He said these efforts aim to manufacture a new normal that undermines the status quo. He also announced strengthening the Coast Guard, including integrated sea-and-air surveillance, expanded drone deployment, and new radar and infrared imaging capabilities.
Taiwan reports nine Chinese warships and 22 aircraft around Taiwan
April 28, 2026
In its daily update covering the past 24 hours, Taiwan's defence ministry said a total of nine Chinese warships were operating around the island and 22 Chinese military aircraft were detected. The ministry showed a map of aircraft locations but did not provide further details about ship positions.
Destroyer and frigate enter waters southwest of Penghu
April 27, 2026
Late Monday, a Chinese destroyer and a frigate entered waters to the southwest of the Penghu islands. Taiwan's defence ministry said it closely monitored the formation and responded appropriately using naval and air forces, and it released colour pictures of the ships taken from the air without giving an exact location.
China says its Taiwan activities are justified
April 2026
China's defence ministry stated that its regular military activities around Taiwan are 'entirely justified and reasonable' and that any tensions are the fault of Taipei, describing the actions as normal and justified.