Chinese Coast Guard Again Off Taiwan's East Coast – Taiwan Announces Decisive Action

The Chinese coast guard announced it would conduct "law enforcement patrols" in the affected sea area. At the same time, it designated the sea area as China's "own territorial waters" and declared its determination to resolutely safeguard China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. The government in Beijing considers the democratically governed Taiwan its own state territory.

Background of the Tensions

Taipei responded sharply to the renewed presence of Chinese ships. From the Taiwanese side, it was stated that all necessary measures would continue to be taken to forcefully drive out Chinese ships. For its part, Taiwan maintains that China has no right to claim sovereignty or jurisdiction over the island or its waters.

Already on Wednesday, Taiwan had instructed commercial ships off the east coast to ignore requests from the Chinese coast guard for inspections. Boarding was to be refused. Taiwan's coast guard would intervene if necessary to prevent this, the authority stated.

International Reactions

The island nation is officially recognized as independent by only a few states, but receives military support from the United States, among others. The presence of an initial fleet formation off the island had triggered concern in Taipei. The unofficial representations of Germany, France, and Great Britain in Taiwan also expressed concern at the time about the activities of the Chinese coast guard.

With the renewed deployment, China is further increasing pressure on the democratically governed island republic. Observers see the maneuvers as a continuation of the tensions that have persisted for years in the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's coast guard made clear that it would closely track any further approach by Chinese ships and repel them if necessary.