Fact Check: China's military pressure on Taiwan surged 80% in 2023.

Fact Check: "China's military pressure on Taiwan surged 80% in 2023"

What We Know

The claim that "China's military pressure on Taiwan surged 80% in 2023" lacks direct corroboration from reliable sources. However, several reports indicate a significant increase in military activity by the People's Liberation Army (PLA) around Taiwan in recent years. For instance, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense reported that PLA aircraft sorties crossing the Taiwan Strait median line rose from 126 in 2023 to 248 in January 2025, marking a substantial increase, but this data pertains to early 2025 rather than the entirety of 2023 (source-1).

Additionally, a report highlighted that naval operations also showed an upward trend, with the number of PLA warships in Taiwan's surrounding waters increasing from 112 in January 2023 to 200 in January 2025 (source-1). However, the specific figure of an 80% increase for the year 2023 is not substantiated by the available data.

Analysis

The claim of an 80% surge in military pressure is not directly supported by the evidence available. While there is a clear trend of increasing military activity, the specific percentage increase for the year 2023 is not detailed in the sources. The reports do indicate that military activities, including air sorties and naval operations, have intensified significantly, especially leading into 2025.

For example, the Military and Security Developments Involving the People's Republic of China report discusses ongoing military enhancements and activities but does not provide specific year-over-year percentage increases for 2023. Furthermore, while some sources, such as a Yahoo News article, claim a 300% increase in military pressure (source-5), these figures appear to be based on specific contexts or time frames rather than a comprehensive annual assessment.

The reliability of the sources varies; while government and military reports tend to be credible, media interpretations may introduce bias or misinterpretation of data. For instance, the CNN report discusses live-fire exercises and increased military drills but does not quantify these activities in percentage terms.

Conclusion

Needs Research. The claim that "China's military pressure on Taiwan surged 80% in 2023" is not substantiated by the available evidence. While there is a clear trend of increased military activity, particularly in early 2025, the specific figure of 80% lacks direct support from credible sources. Further research is necessary to accurately quantify military activities and assess the context of these increases.

Fact Check: China's military pressure on Taiwan surged 80% in 2023.