Taiwan’s coast guard says it deploys vessels in response to a Chinese “law enforcement operation” near waters east and southwest of the island. In a statement, Taiwan says the operation violates international law and that it monitors Chinese government vessels “throughout the entire process.” Taiwan reports detecting four Chinese government vessels departing from Xiamen and sailing outside Taiwan’s restricted waters southwest of the island. Taiwan says it dispatches more than five vessels to assist with surveillance and to “respond appropriately,” adding that the Chinese vessels were expected to arrive in the relevant waters on Sunday.
The Chinese side frames the deployment differently. Chinese state media reports the operation is linked to talks between Japan and the Philippines about drawing a boundary in the affected waters. China, which asserts Taiwan is part of its territory, calls the talks illegal and claims exclusive control over the waters.
Multiple outlets describe Taiwan’s patrol actions as a response to Beijing’s maritime activities, including Chinese coastguard and related vessels operating in the region. The situation remains contested, with both sides issuing opposing legal and territorial claims.
