Taiwan Reports Increased PLA Military Activity Amid Rising Cross-Strait Tensions

Executive Summary

On June 28, 2025, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence reported four Chinese military aircraft sorties and six PLA naval vessels operating near its territory, underscoring the ongoing pattern of People’s Liberation Army (PLA) patrols and heightened cross-strait tensions. This latest escalation comes as Taiwan prepares for major defense exercises in July and follows renewed Chinese warnings against foreign interference. The situation holds significant implications for regional security, US-Taiwan relations, and NATO’s strategic concerns amid China’s continued military buildup.

Latest Development

On June 28, 2025, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence publicly reported that four Chinese military aircraft and six PLA navy vessels conducted sorties and patrols near Taiwan’s territory. These maneuvers are part of the PLA’s regular “joint combat readiness patrols” that have intensified in recent months. The latest incident comes as Taiwan moves forward with its annual July military exercises and in the wake of public warnings from China’s defense ministry. Chinese officials reiterated that these drills are intended to defend “national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” and serve as a direct warning to “Taiwan independence separatists and external interference,” explicitly referencing ongoing US and allied support for Taiwan^[1][3].

Recent Developments

• June 28, 2025: Taiwan reports four Chinese military aircraft and six PLA vessels near its territory, amid ongoing PLA patrols and warnings from Beijing against foreign interference as Taiwan prepares for July defense exercises^[1][3].
• June 27, 2025: Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo reaffirms the island’s commitment to self-defense and outlines details of the upcoming July military exercises. On the same day, the PLA conducts another “joint combat readiness patrol” around Taiwan, involving both warships and warplanes^[3].
• June 20, 2025: Taiwan detects a significant spike in Chinese military movements following Chinese criticism of a British navy vessel patrolling the Taiwan Strait, the first such patrol since 2021^[3].
• Previous week: Taiwan’s defense ministry reports 46 Chinese military aircraft crossing into its air defense identification zone within a 24-hour period after US lawmakers held a publicly disclosed meeting with Defense Minister Koo^[3].
• June 25, 2025: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warns of China’s “massive” military buildup and highlights growing concerns among NATO and Indo-Pacific allies (Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand) regarding the risk of conflict over Taiwan. Rutte suggests China could coordinate with Russia to divide NATO’s attention in the event of a crisis^[5].

Key Impact & Analysis

The sustained PLA patrols and military buildup around Taiwan represent a deliberate effort by Beijing to assert pressure and deter both Taiwanese moves toward formal independence and foreign—particularly US and allied—involvement. The frequency and scale of Chinese military activities have increased, with warplanes and naval vessels routinely crossing into sensitive areas near Taiwan, raising the risk of miscalculation or unintended escalation^[3][5].

For Taiwan, these developments reinforce the urgency of bolstering its own defense capabilities and deepening security partnerships, especially as it prepares for major exercises in July. The US continues to provide defensive support, though it officially does not recognize Taiwan as independent. China’s messaging warns that such support risks “misleading Taiwan into the flames of war,” a phrase reflecting Beijing’s intent to deter foreign intervention^[3].

The broader regional and global context is increasingly tense. NATO’s recent statements highlight the alliance’s growing concern that a Taiwan crisis could have far-reaching security implications, possibly involving Russia and drawing in Indo-Pacific partners. The heightened alert among European and Asian allies signals a shift toward greater strategic alignment in response to China’s military ambitions^[5].

Looking Forward

All eyes are on Taiwan’s upcoming July defense exercises, which are likely to provoke further Chinese military demonstrations. NATO and Indo-Pacific partners are expected to continue increasing defense readiness and coordination, especially as China’s military maneuvers intensify. The possibility of further US congressional or military engagements with Taiwan remains high, each potentially triggering additional PLA responses.

Key dates to watch include the start of Taiwan’s July military drills and the upcoming NATO summit, where China’s military buildup and Taiwan Strait tensions will be prominent agenda items. The risk of accidental escalation remains significant, and the strategic rivalry between China, the US, and allied powers is poised to continue shaping the security landscape in the Taiwan Strait and beyond.

Sources

1. https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/china-taiwan-weekly-update-june-27-2025
2. https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/china-taiwan-weekly-update-june-23-2025
3. https://time.com/7298254/china-us-diplomacy-military-intervention-taiwan-israel-iran-war-ceasefire/
4. https://www.aei.org/articles/china-taiwan-weekly-update-june-27-2025/
5. https://www.the-independent.com/asia/china/taiwan-russia-chinese-military-nato-mark-rutte-b2776391.html