Taiwan warns of rise in Chinese military activity around region

This image released by the Taiwan Ministry of National Defence shows China’s Shandong aircraft carrier sailing near Taiwan on March 31. - Taiwan Ministry of National Defence/AP

TAIPEI: Taiwan said China escalated military pressure around the region in May, deploying dozens of warships and government vessels daily in what it described as an extreme pressure campaign.

China sent an average of 50 to 70 vessels per day across the first island chain - a key strategic arc stretching from Japan through Taiwan and the Philippines - between May 1 and 27, said a senior Taiwanese security official, who asked not to be identified, citing government protocol.