Taiwan accuses China of harassing shipping in east coast patrol

The Taiwan Coast Guard accused the China Coast Guard of harassing shipping with its latest patrol off Taiwan’s east coast, claiming it is attempting to assert jurisdiction.

China has increased its maritime activity off Taiwan’s east coast since June, with regular coast guard patrols, according to Taiwanese officials.

Taiwan regards the area east of its coast as vital for wartime supply routes from allies in case of a blockade or conflict, while China recognizes no sovereignty claims by Taiwan.

In response to China’s announcement of its latest patrol, the Taiwan Coast Guard stated it had deployed its own ships to monitor the situation, citing two Chinese vessels involved.

Chinese state media released footage of a ship broadcasting a radio message offering assistance, though it did not specify the recipient, and showed an unidentified fishing trawler.

The Taiwan Coast Guard condemned China’s actions as a violation of international law, undermining regional peace and stability, and claimed China has no jurisdiction over any of Taiwan’s waters.

China also sent a coast guard ship near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, which are strategically located at the top of the South China Sea, according to the Taiwan Coast Guard.