On December 4, 2025, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy conducted its largest maritime deployment to date, with over 100 vessels positioned across the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, South China Sea, and western Pacific. This aggressive maneuvering, which took place during the 2025 winter exercises, underscores China’s escalating naval capabilities amidst ongoing regional tensions over Taiwan and maritime disputes. For India, this development highlights the urgent need to enhance maritime domain awareness in the Indian Ocean and to expedite indigenous carrier programs, as China’s growing blue-water fleet threatens critical sea lines of communication and Quad-aligned interests in the Indo-Pacific. The operations signal a potential shift in China’s approach to naval presence, complicating freedom of navigation crucial for regional stability and energy security.