Taipei: Taiwan has firmly defended its sovereignty after China completed a special coast guard patrol in waters east of the island, warning that any attempt by Beijing to assert authority over Taiwanese waters would not be accepted.
The latest exchange marks another chapter in the growing tensions between China and Taiwan, with both sides exchanging sharp statements over maritime jurisdiction and territorial claims. Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration said the island's sovereignty and maritime rights could not be violated, adding that Chinese vessels would continue to be monitored and challenged whenever they entered areas claimed by Taiwan.
The dispute arose after China's coast guard announced the completion of what it called a special maritime law enforcement operation in waters east of Taiwan. Chinese authorities said the patrol was carried out to safeguard what Beijing describes as its lawful rights and interests in the region.
Taiwan, however, strongly rejected China's claims. Officials in Taipei said Beijing has no authority over Taiwan's territorial waters and accused China of using coast guard operations to create a false impression that it exercises jurisdiction around the self governed island.
The incident comes at a time when military and maritime activity around Taiwan has increased significantly. While Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels frequently operate near the Taiwan Strait, recent coast guard operations have expanded into areas east of Taiwan, a region that has traditionally experienced less direct pressure from Beijing.
Taiwanese officials said several Chinese coast guard vessels were active in waters near the island during the operation. Reports indicated that Chinese authorities also contacted merchant ships passing through the area and requested information about their routes and destinations. Taiwan criticized such actions, describing them as interference with normal maritime activities.
The latest patrol is viewed by many regional observers as part of a broader effort by China to strengthen its presence in areas surrounding Taiwan. Over the past several months, Chinese coast guard and maritime vessels have been increasingly active not only around Taiwan but also in disputed parts of the South China Sea.
Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo recently described Chinese coast guard activities east of the island as provocative and warned that they were intended to increase pressure on Taiwan without direct military confrontation. According to Taiwanese officials, coast guard and military authorities have stepped up coordination to respond to such operations.
The tensions have also drawn attention because they coincide with wider regional disputes involving China, Japan and the Philippines. Beijing recently expressed concerns over discussions between Japan and the Philippines regarding maritime boundaries, arguing that such matters involve areas linked to China's territorial claims. Taiwan has rejected that position and insists that no country can negotiate on its behalf.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly stated that reunification remains a national objective. Beijing has not ruled out the use of force to achieve that goal. Taiwan's government maintains that the island's future should be decided solely by its people and continues to reject China's sovereignty claims.
Since taking office, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has repeatedly called for dialogue while emphasizing the need to protect Taiwan's democratic system and self governance. Beijing has dismissed those overtures and continues to accuse his administration of promoting separatism.
Analysts say the latest coast guard operation demonstrates how maritime law enforcement has become an increasingly important element of China's strategy toward Taiwan. Rather than relying solely on military exercises, Beijing is using coast guard patrols and administrative measures to reinforce its territorial claims and expand its presence around the island.
Although the patrol has now ended, experts believe similar operations are likely to continue. For Taiwan, the challenge will be maintaining maritime security while avoiding actions that could trigger a larger confrontation. As both sides remain firmly committed to their positions, the waters surrounding Taiwan are expected to remain a focal point of regional tension in the months ahead.