Taiwan Blames China for Harassment After Close-Quarters Standoff Near Pratas Islands
Taiwan's coast guard says a Chinese vessel entered restricted waters near the Pratas Islands, prompting a tense 1.9‑km standoff and accusations of harassment.
POLICY WIRE — Taipei, Taiwan — Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration reported that a Chinese coast guard vessel entered waters it considers restricted close to the Pratas Islands, a coral group administered by Taipei in the South China Sea.
The two ships maneuvered toward each other, coming within roughly 1.9 kilometers (one nautical mile) before the Chinese vessel ultimately retreated.
Taiwan accused Beijing of harassment and of asserting what it described as “fictional jurisdiction” over the contested maritime zone, underscoring heightened friction between the neighbors.
The episode follows a pattern of recent encounters as Chinese maritime forces increase activity around Taiwan and other disputed features, raising concerns in Taipei about sovereignty and security.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
