The Chinese coast guard conducted patrols in the sea waters in eastern Taiwan, which caused a sharp reaction in Taipei. Taiwan's Defence Minister Weilin Ku called China's actions a provocation and «cognitive warfare». In response, Taiwan has strengthened coordination between the military and the coast guard to protect the island's sovereignty.
- Chinese patrols near Taiwan were called a provocation in Taipei.
- The Taiwanese Coast Guard pushed Chinese ships out of the restricted waters.
- Taiwan's military has strengthened coordination with the Coast Guard.
- China responded with a video declaring a unified Chinese territory.
Chinese patrols in disputed waters off Taiwan
The Chinese Coast Guard has launched a special operation in the maritime waters off the east of Taiwan. On Saturday evening, Chinese state media reported on a «special operation to control maritime traffic» in response to the start of official talks between Japan and the Philippines on maritime border delimitation. Taiwanese coastguard ships interfered with Chinese vessels and announced their «expulsion» from the prohibited waters.
Taiwan's response: coordinating and protecting sovereignty
Minister of Defence of Taiwan Weilin Ku characterised China's actions as a «provocation» and «cognitive warfare», stressing that China is trying to «cover» eastern waters with a large «spider web», which is a serious affront to national sovereignty. Taiwan's military has increased coordination with the coast guard and intensified intelligence sharing to respond effectively to the situation.
China's position and information response
On Monday, Chinese state media released a video of a Chinese coastguard officer addressing the Taiwanese side with a warning: «Choose your words carefully - both sides of the Taiwan Strait are part of one China.» The Chinese side has not recognised any of Taiwan's claims to sovereignty in these waters.
Escalation of maritime provocations in the region
Chairman of the Taiwan Maritime Affairs Council Kuan Bi-ling said that since the beginning of May, China has been conducting a month-long campaign of «escalating provocations», including operations near the Pratas Islands in the South China Sea and sending a research vessel to waters near Taiwan. It called for the ocean to be transformed into a space of peace, not conflict and threat.
China's military activities around Taiwan
Chinese military aircraft and ships regularly conduct patrols near Taiwan. The Taiwanese Coast Guard responds to Chinese ship activity by monitoring and taking preventive action. Particular attention is paid to the mission of the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning in the Western Pacific, which is located in the east of the Philippines. Taiwan insists that it does not recognise Chinese claims to sovereignty and is preparing for possible further provocations.
