Taiwan's Coast Guard Faces Down Chinese Intrusions

In a recent maritime standoff, Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) successfully compelled the exit of a Chinese coast guard vessel from Taiwan-controlled restricted waters near Dongsha Island, a region in the contentious South China Sea. The vessel, identified as China Coast Guard ship 3302, had entered waters off the west-northwest of Dongsha Island. Taiwan's response involved dispatching the Hsun Hu No. 7 and Yunlin cutters, which effectively shadowed the Chinese vessel until it vacated the area at 6:10 a.m. on Sunday.

The CGA has denounced this breach, which contributes to the year's tally of 11 intrusions by Chinese vessels into Dongsha Island's jurisdiction. Officials noted that the Chinese vessels have employed tactics like disabling automatic identification systems to avoid detection, a method commonly associated with 'gray zone' operations aimed at coercive pressure without direct conflict.

In addition to coast guard incursions, Taiwan reported 111 illegal entries by 31 Chinese fishing boats, resultant in the confiscation of seven vessels. These illegal activities violate the protected zone of the Dongsha Atoll, a marine sanctuary, threatening its marine ecology. The CGA has called upon China to enforce stricter regulations on its fishing boats to prevent such ecological threats.

(With inputs from agencies.)