Taiwan has rejected China’s claims of jurisdiction over waters near the island after Beijing ended a coast guard patrol operation off Taiwan’s eastern coast, saying its maritime sovereignty “cannot be violated.”
China launched the patrol late on Saturday, describing it as a “special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation” aimed at inspecting ships and conducting other activities in waters east of Taiwan. The operation ended on Wednesday, according to Chinese state media.
During the patrol, Chinese vessels reportedly inspected 198 passing ships, addressed violations involving three vessels, carried out a hydrographic survey and monitored areas where undersea cables are located.
Taiwan’s coast guard said China has no authority over the waters and accused Beijing of attempting to create a false impression of jurisdiction.
“Any country that asserts jurisdiction will be expelled without exception,” Taiwan’s coast guard said in a statement, adding that its vessels would maintain freedom and safety of navigation in the area.
The dispute comes after China reacted strongly to plans by Japan and the Philippines to begin formal talks on maritime boundaries. Beijing viewed the discussions as involving waters around Taiwan.
Taiwan accuses Chinese coast guard of harassing ships
Taiwan said three merchant vessels travelling through the area had been “harassed” by Chinese coast guard ships, which requested information about their origins and destinations while claiming authority over the waters.
Taiwan Coast Guard spokesman Hsieh Ching-chin said some of the merchant ships provided details, including their next ports of call, but stressed that China had 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,” Hsieh said.
Separately, Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council said Chinese “official” vessels entered restricted waters near Itu Aba, a Taiwan-controlled island in the South China Sea. The ships remained there for around 15 minutes before leaving, according to the council, which described the move as part of a “continuous escalation of provocations.”
China continues claims over Taiwan
China claims Taiwan as its own territory and does not recognize the island’s sovereignty. Chinese military aircraft and naval vessels operate around Taiwan regularly.
Taiwan’s government maintains that only the island’s people can decide its future. President Lai Ching-te has repeatedly offered talks with Beijing, but China has rejected his approach and described him as a “separatist.”
