TAIPEI — Taiwan vowed on Thursday to expel Chinese vessels attempting to assert jurisdiction in waters around the island after China concluded a coast guard patrol off its eastern shores, the island's Coast Guard Administration said.
The statement came after Chinese ships conducted what Beijing described as a maritime law enforcement operation in the area east of Taiwan, which Taipei viewed as an infringement on its sovereignty. Taiwan's coast guard said it would forcefully drive away any such vessels to maintain freedom of navigation.
“Our nation’s maritime sovereignty cannot be violated,” the Coast Guard Administration said in a statement. “Any country that asserts jurisdiction will be expelled without exception.”
Coast Guard official Hsieh Chin-chuan told reporters that China has no sovereign rights in the waters east of Taiwan. “Our Coast Guard Administration will, regardless of nationality, expel without exception any vessel involved in asserting jurisdiction, in order to defend our sovereignty,” he added.
The development followed reports of Chinese coast guard vessels contacting merchant ships in the region and claiming jurisdiction, prompting Taiwan to instruct commercial vessels to ignore such communications. Taiwan's forces had previously expelled Chinese vessels from restricted waters in related incidents.
China, which claims Taiwan as its territory, does not recognize the island's sovereignty and conducts regular military and coast guard activities around it. Taiwan rejects Beijing's claims and maintains it is a separate democratic entity.
The patrols occurred amid broader regional tensions, including discussions between Japan and the Philippines on maritime boundaries. Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo previously described similar Chinese actions as provocative.
Taiwan's government has coordinated responses between its coast guard and military to monitor and counter such operations. No immediate reports of direct confrontation during the latest patrol were detailed by officials.
As of Friday, Chinese state media had published images of the patrol operations encircling Taiwan. Taiwan continued to monitor activities in its surrounding waters and air space, with officials urging adherence to international maritime norms. Further details on any ongoing naval movements remained limited.
The incident highlighted persistent maritime disputes in the region. Both sides indicated they would maintain their respective positions, with additional statements expected as the situation develops.
