China's defense of coast guard patrols near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands on Oct. 21 sharpened a dispute over maritime authority, as Taipei accused Beijing of trying to establish control over surrounding waters.
Taiwan has reported two incidents involving Chinese coast guard vessels approaching the South China Sea islands since Oct. 18, Reuters reported.
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han said China claims sovereignty over Pratas and nearby waters and regards its patrols as lawful. She said the coast guard's work supports orderly maritime activity and protects lives and property. Taiwan rejects Beijing's territorial claim and says its people should decide the island's future.
Mainland Affairs Council head Chiu Chui-cheng said at an Oct. 20 forum in Taipei that Beijing was trying to make its authority over waters near Taiwan and its offshore islands appear established. He assessed that China's policy would become more aggressive and provocative, with Beijing seeking to exercise jurisdiction before unification.
China warned Taiwan the previous week after Taiwan's coast guard sprayed a Chinese fishing boat near Pratas with a water cannon, Reuters reported.
Chiu said Beijing's drive for unification would become more pressing as President Xi Jinping approaches an expected fourth term in 2027.
