Taiwanese officials say they are monitoring a concerning increase in Chinese naval and air activity around the island, even as Beijing promotes messages of peace and cooperation during talks with Taiwan’s opposition leadership.

The developments have heightened tensions in Taipei, particularly as China’s military build-up coincides with political friction over defence spending and shifting international attention toward conflicts in the Middle East. The situation also comes ahead of a planned meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in May.

Taiwan Defence Minister Wellington Koo told lawmakers on Thursday that China’s expanding military capabilities were intensifying the threat faced by the island.

“China is continuously and persistently expanding its military capabilities, and the military threat it poses to us is becoming increasingly severe,” he said, warning that Taiwan must demonstrate its resolve to defend itself to the United States and other partners.

“But the most frightening scenario is — if all of our international allies were to question whether we have such resolve, what would we face? I cannot imagine it,” he added.

China considers Taiwan a breakaway province and has not ruled out the use of force to achieve reunification. Taiwan strongly rejects Beijing’s claims, insisting that only its people can determine their future.

According to two Taiwanese security officials, nearly 100 Chinese naval and coast guard vessels have been operating in and around the South and East China Seas this week — a significant increase from the usual 50–60 ships. One official described the rise as “very rare,” noting that this period is typically not associated with major Chinese naval drills.

The buildup comes as Beijing continues diplomatic engagement with Taiwan’s opposition Kuomintang (KMT) party. During a meeting in Beijing on Friday with KMT chairwoman Cheng Li-wun, President Xi Jinping said people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait seek peace and cooperation, but warned that China would “absolutely not tolerate” Taiwanese independence.

The KMT has denied any link between Cheng’s visit and domestic defence policy debates, including stalled proposals for increased military spending backed by Washington.

Intelligence reports reviewed by Reuters also indicated a steady rise in Chinese vessels over recent weeks, increasing from around 70 at the end of March to nearly 100 this week. However, some security sources suggested the pattern may represent a “new normal” rather than an exceptional escalation.

China’s defence ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

On Friday, Taiwan’s defence ministry reported seven Chinese military aircraft and seven warships operating near the island in the previous 24 hours.

In a rare public disclosure, Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council also shared the locations of Chinese naval vessels on social media, citing the need to inform both domestic and international audiences amid what it called ongoing maritime harassment.

China has also declared restricted “reserved” airspace off its eastern coast from March 27 to May 5, ahead of the expected Trump-Xi meeting. While Beijing has not provided details, such zones are often associated with military exercises.

Taiwan’s National Security Bureau said the move could be aimed at testing U.S. military presence in the region and signaling strategic positioning ahead of high-level political talks between Washington and Beijing.