Taiwan’s Coast Guard accused Beijing of using radio calls during a two-ship patrol to claim authority over waters east of the island that Taipei says matter for wartime supply routes.
The agency said two Chinese ships took part in the latest patrol and Taiwan sent its own vessels to monitor them. It said Taiwan holds sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its exclusive economic zone east of the island, while China has no jurisdiction over Taiwan’s waters.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard characterized the radio exchanges as harassment and an attempt to extend Beijing’s power, saying they violated international law and threatened regional stability. Chinese state media showed one ship broadcasting that it was conducting law enforcement and offering assistance. The footage also included an unidentified fishing trawler, but did not say who received the message.
Beijing considers Taiwan part of China, while Taipei rejects that claim. Reuters reported that China has expanded activity off Taiwan’s east coast since June, including regular coast guard patrols. Taiwanese officials see China’s use of military, paramilitary and civilian assets as possible preparation for a maritime blockade.
Taipei says the eastern waters are important for receiving supplies from allies during a blockade or conflict. The patrol dispute therefore touches both competing claims over maritime authority and concerns about access to the island.
At an Oct. 20 forum in Taipei, U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Chair Randall Schriver said the patrols could appear to be routine law enforcement while extending Beijing’s sovereignty claim. He called the continuing presence “highly destabilising,” as described in Schriver’s earlier assessment of patrols east of Taiwan.
