Taiwan Accuses China of Maritime Harassment and Illegal Jurisdiction During Massive East Coast Patrols
Taiwan reports forcing the departure of 16 Chinese vessels engaged in maritime harassment and illegal jurisdiction claims off the island's coast.
POLICY WIRE — Taipei, Taiwan — Taiwanese authorities are reporting that the Chinese Coast Guard is engaging in the harassment of commercial shipping during a recent patrol off the eastern coast.
The Taiwanese Coast Guard characterized these maneuvers as attempts to establish a fictional jurisdiction over international waters. In response to these activities, Taipei deployed its own fleet to monitor the situation and protect regional shipping lanes.
Officials announced that they successfully repelled 16 Chinese vessels, which included coast guard ships, research vessels, and fishing boats. These were part of a coordinated effort described as simultaneous maritime harassment operations.
According to Taiwan, an unusually high number of Chinese craft participated in these synchronized movements. The operations focused on areas surrounding Taiwan proper and the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, also known as the Dongsha Islands.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
