Beijing has for years been expanding its military presence in the waters around Taiwan, which the government sees as part of China's territory and has threatened to annex. In July, 244 Chinese ships were counted around the main island, an average of eight a day, according to data seen by AFP.
In June, 55 Chinese ships were registered around Taiwan and 30 in May. During the first three weeks of August, 152 ships have been sighted.
Taiwan has functioned as an independent state since the end of the Chinese Civil War in 1949. The government in Beijing repeatedly threatens to conquer the island by military means.
