Record 244 PRC vessels near Taiwan in July; China Coast Guard + research ships conducting seabed surveys

INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY

Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration recorded a record 244 PRC government vessels operating around Taiwan in July, up from 55 in June and 58 in July 2025. Around 60% were China Coast Guard ships, with research and other government vessels making up the remainder. The CGA said Chinese research vessels are increasingly operating alongside CCG ships and conducting seabed surveys that could support submarine and anti-submarine warfare. This month, a PRC research vessel was also observed with a marit