This Wednesday, the National Security Bureau (NSB) and the Defense Ministry reported to the Legislature to brief lawmakers on the Chinese threat and the readiness of Taiwan’s armed forces.

The NSB said that as of December 15, PLA aircraft had entered Taiwan’s surrounding airspace more than 3,570 times in 2025, surpassing the 3,070 incursions recorded in 2024 and setting a new record. In addition, the PLA conducted 39 “joint combat readiness patrols,” which are believed to be tests of Taiwan’s early warning and response capabilities and to verify their battlefield operations for a Taiwan Strait conflict.

The PLA also conducted its first dual-aircraft carrier training exercise in the western Pacific, per the NSB, and there were incidents such as Chinese Coast Guard vessels using water cannons against Philippine government ships and J-15 fighter jets locking onto Japanese F-15 fighters. These actions have prompted the United States and its allies to strengthen collective defense along the First Island Chain.

As part of joint military exercises, the U.S., Japan, and the Philippines have all deployed missile systems meant to boost sea-denial capabilities. NSB Director-General Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) said this approach prioritizes the First Island Chain and highlights Washington’s efforts to promote coordinated defense capabilities among allies to deter the CCP’s expansionist threats.

As for the combat readiness of Taiwan’s armed forces, the Defense Ministry stated that it comprehensively monitors PLA activities around the Taiwan Strait and that the military is appropriately dispatched at sea and in the air based on key warning indicators. The ministry also emphasized that in the event of a sudden attack, units will carry out combat missions under decentralized operational guidance. Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said they emphasize mission command so that units can handle unexpected situations. 

The Defense Ministry stressed that they are working to advance four military development priorities: asymmetric warfare capabilities, defensive resilience, reserve force strength, and gray-zone response capabilities. They are also developing countermeasures such as the “Taiwan Shield,” further demonstrating Taiwan’s commitment to self-defense.