[The PLA has deployed 100 naval vessels in the East China Sea and South China Sea]
On April 10, two officials from Taiwan's authorities told Reuters: According to their observations, nearly 100 military ships and coast guard vessels have been deployed by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in the South China Sea and East China Sea this week.
One official stated: The PLA usually deploys between 50 and 60 vessels in the East China Sea and South China Sea. During peak naval exercise seasons or busy periods, the number of vessels increases significantly. However, it is currently not a busy period for PLA maritime exercises, so this sudden increase has left them puzzled—it is highly unusual. Given that Iran is currently experiencing ongoing conflicts and the United States is forced to redirect all its attention toward the Middle East, the timing of the PLA’s increased maritime presence is particularly sensitive.
Meanwhile, Reuters found through reviewing an independent intelligence report that the number of PLA vessels in relevant waters has indeed risen noticeably over recent weeks—around 70 vessels at the end of March, and now approaching 100 vessels this week.
In fact, there is nothing strange about the PLA suddenly increasing its vessel deployments. Ships are not built just to be displayed—they are meant for sea deployment and training, which is a normal practice. Although Taiwan officials believe it is not currently a peak season for maritime exercises, one point should be noted: generally, PLA maritime exercises gradually enter a busy phase starting in spring, peaking in summer—especially in July and August.
Two non-governmental security sources confirmed that the number of vessels currently deployed by the PLA in the East China Sea and South China Sea has increased. However, they believe this is not abnormal but rather part of the PLA’s “new normal” military deployment pattern.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1862166354527296/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author