Taiwan tracks Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels as China's presence in South China Sea nearly doubles

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense tracked two Chinese military aircraft, five naval vessels, and two official ships around Taiwan between 6 a.m. on Thursday and 6 a.m. on Friday, October 9, 2026. This activity coincides with reports from Manila indicating that China's military and coast guard presence in disputed South China Sea waters claimed by the Philippines nearly doubled last month, with 101 Chinese navy and coast guard ships monitored around contested areas.