PLA expands air and sea operations east of Taiwan in September

September 22, 2026 at 06:29 PM2 min

This digest was compiled by AI from multiple sources — links to the originals are below.

China's People's Liberation Army has stepped up reconnaissance and combat patrols in airspace and waters east of Taiwan since July. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense recorded PLA aircraft operating east of the island on multiple days in September, including September 5-6, 9-10, 14-16, and 18-19. The increased activity comes as Taiwan conducts blockade-breaking drills to protect its eastern lifelines.

Key Facts

PLA aircraft operated east of Taiwan on September 5-6, 9-10, 14-16, and 18-19, according to Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense.
On September 5, the PLA deployed J-11 fighters, Su-30s, H-6 bombers, Y-8 electronic warfare aircraft, and KJ-500 early warning aircraft, with some entering Taiwan's southeastern airspace.
On September 9, PLA aircraft operated in Taiwan's northern, central, and eastern airspace, including combat aircraft, support aircraft, and UAVs.
Taiwan's navy and coast guard conducted blockade-breaking escort and strategic logistics transfer drills on August 13 during the Han Kuang 42 exercise.

Expanded PLA Operations

Since July, China has conducted more regularized coast guard patrols in waters east of Taiwan. The PLA has increased reconnaissance and surveillance operations to Taiwan's east and southeast, in addition to joint combat readiness patrols across the Taiwan Strait median line. On September 5, PLA aircraft including J-11 fighters, Su-30s, H-6 bombers, Y-8 electronic warfare aircraft, and KJ-500 early warning aircraft entered Taiwan's southeastern airspace. During a September 9 patrol, PLA aircraft operated in Taiwan's northern, central, and eastern airspace, demonstrating that Chinese military activity is no longer concentrated primarily west of the island.

UAV Surveillance Role

The PLA's growing use of drones east of Taiwan serves as military pressure and systematic collection of battlefield intelligence on Taiwan's force posture. Potential surveillance targets include air base activities in Hualien and Taitung, aircraft takeoffs and landings, radar and air defense systems, and naval and air force movements. UAVs offer longer endurance, lower operating costs, and greater suitability for sustained intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions compared with manned aircraft.

Taiwan's Eastern Lifeline

In a wartime scenario, airports and ports along Taiwan's western coast could be subjected to sustained strikes or interdiction by long-range rocket artillery and Dong Feng-series ballistic missiles. Eastern ports would become critical rear-area logistics hubs and potential lifelines for sustaining Taiwan's war effort. Taiwan's Han Kuang 42 live-fire exercise on August 13 included joint navy and coast guard blockade-breaking escort and strategic logistics transfer drills.