Taiwan sent vessels to monitor two Chinese coastguard ships after Beijing announced a patrol off the island’s east coast. Taiwanese authorities accused the ships of harassing shipping through radio broadcasts and rejected China’s jurisdiction claims. The waters matter to Taipei because they provide a route for allied supplies in wartime.
Taiwan’s coastguard sent vessels to monitor two Chinese coastguard ships after Beijing announced a patrol off the island’s eastern coast. In a statement late on Saturday, Taiwanese authorities rejected China’s description of the operation as law enforcement. They accused the Chinese ships of using radio communications to harass other vessels and assert jurisdiction over waters around Taiwan.[1], [2]
Chinese state television showed a coastguard ship broadcasting that it was carrying out law-enforcement duties and offering assistance if needed. The footage included an unidentified fishing trawler but did not identify the recipient of the message. Taiwan’s coastguard called Beijing’s asserted jurisdiction illegitimate and contrary to international law. Taiwan claims sovereign rights in the exclusive economic zone east of the island; China regards Taiwan as its territory and rejects Taipei’s sovereignty claims.[1]
China has increased regular coastguard patrols off Taiwan’s east coast since June. Taipei considers these waters important for wartime supplies arriving from allies. Taiwanese officials view the patrols as possible practice for a blockade that could combine military, paramilitary and civilian vessels. Their assessment describes a potential use of the activity; the current response consists of monitoring the ships.[1]
