Taiwan Accuses China of Harassing Ships During East Coast Coast Guard Patrol

Taiwan’s Coast Guard says China is harassing vessels off the island’s east coast during its newest patrol and trying to assert a jurisdiction that does not exist. Two Chinese ships took part, and Taiwan sent its own forces to monitor them. Chinese state media showed one vessel broadcasting a radio message saying it was carrying out law enforcement and could offer help, over footage of an unidentified fishing trawler.

Why the East Coast Matters to Taiwan

China claims Taiwan as its own territory and has stepped up regular coast guard patrols east of the island since June. Taiwanese officials believe Beijing is rehearsing for a possible maritime blockade using military, paramilitary and civilian assets together. Taipei sees these waters as vital for wartime supply routes from allies. Taiwan’s Coast Guard called the radio calls a clear expansion of power that breaks international law, and said China has no jurisdiction over any Taiwanese waters.

Pressure Near the Pratas Islands

On Saturday, another Chinese Coast Guard ship also came close to the Taiwan controlled Pratas Islands at the top of the South China Sea. Taiwan says it has expelled Chinese coast guard vessels from Pratas waters 13 times this year. The islands have no permanent civilian population, lie more than 400 km from Taiwan, and security experts consider them vulnerable to attack.