China Expands Coast Guard Presence Near Taiwan

China’s coast guard carried out what it described as routine law enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan on Friday, prompting a strong protest from Taipei, which accused Beijing of using coast guard operations to expand its control around the self-governed island.

In a statement, the China Coast Guard said the patrols were led by its vessel Xiushan and formed part of an effort to strengthen oversight in the area.

“Since July, the Xiushan task group has been strengthening control over the relevant waters to effectively ensure orderly navigation and activities,” coast guard spokesperson Jiang Lue said.

Beijing said the operations were intended to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of fishermen on both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration, however, rejected that explanation, describing the patrols as “fake law enforcement, real expansion of power.”

Taipei said it dispatched several vessels, including the patrol ship Taipei, to monitor the Chinese ships Xiushan and Chongming.

According to Taiwan, one Chinese vessel was operating about 151 nautical miles east of Orchid Island (Lanyu), while another was detected about 43 nautical miles northeast of the island.

Taiwan said it would “take all necessary measures to defend national sovereignty” and ensure the security of its surrounding waters.

Growing concern

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory despite Taipei’s rejection of Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

In recent months, Beijing has expanded military and coast guard activities not only around Taiwan’s western coastline but also along its Pacific coast, an area Taiwan considers critical for maintaining wartime supply routes from allies.

The eastern coast guard patrols began in June, following maritime border talks between Japan and the Philippines, and have drawn concern from the United States, Britain, France and Germany, which oppose unilateral attempts to change the status quo.

Earlier this week, the American Institute in Taiwan—Washington’s de facto embassy—released a rare image showing a Taiwan coast guard vessel sailing alongside the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Midgett, highlighting growing cooperation between the two sides.

(with inputs from Reuters)