Taiwan says it drove away 16 Chinese vessels in coordinated ‘maritime harassment’

Taiwan asserted that it successfully deterred 16 Chinese coast guard, research, and fishing vessels engaged in a coordinated "maritime harassment" campaign. An unusually substantial number of Chinese vessels participated in the simultaneous operations around Taiwan's main island and Pratas, a disputed island southwest of the island, according to a statement released by Taiwan's coast guard.

The Chinese vessels, including four fishing boats, executed operations at various locations, including off Taiwan's eastern, southern, and southwestern coastlines, as well as around Pratas. Some of the Chinese vessels ventured into Taiwan's restricted waters. China asserts sovereignty over Taiwan, which Taiwan rejects. Beijing has long threatened to resort to force to annex Taiwan.

The recent maritime pressure intensified, with China deploying record numbers of coast guard, research, and other vessels near Taiwan in recent months. Today's operation follows a water cannon incident involving a Chinese recreational fishing vessel near Pratas on October 1, which provoked an angry response from China. Taiwan controls Pratas, also known as Dongsha, but Beijing also claims jurisdiction over the island along with most of the strategic waterway.

Taiwan's coast guard took "forceful action" to neutralize the threats, stating that China's unilateral actions to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait and falsely claim jurisdiction only serve to incite resentment among the Taiwanese people.