Taiwan accuses China of harassing ships during patrols off its east coast

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 02, 2026

Photo courtesy: Reuters

Taiwan has accused China of harassing vessels and asserting maritime authority off its eastern coast, prompting Taipei to deploy coast guard ships to monitor the latest Chinese patrols.

Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said two Chinese vessels conducted operations in the area on Saturday, October 31, while claiming to carry out routine law enforcement duties.

The agency identified the ships as the Hushi (CCG 1308) and Meishan (CCG 2303). Taiwan deployed its own vessels, including the Ji An, to track their movements.

Taiwanese authorities accused China of using radio communications with ships at sea to suggest it had enforcement powers in waters that Taipei considers part of its exclusive economic zone

China, however, maintains that its patrols are legitimate operations in waters under its jurisdiction.

Taiwan rejects China’s maritime claims

The dispute followed an announcement by the China Coast Guard that its vessels had conducted a law enforcement patrol east of Taiwan.

Chinese authorities said they would continue strengthening patrol operations to protect what Beijing considers its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests.

Taiwan rejected the claim, arguing that China was attempting to establish authority over waters where it has no jurisdiction.

The Taiwanese coast guard also accused Beijing of using repeated patrols to make its presence appear routine and reinforce its territorial claims.

Chinese state media released footage showing a coast guard vessel broadcasting a message announcing its law enforcement activities and offering assistance if needed. The footage also showed an unidentified fishing vessel, although it was unclear whether the message was directed at that boat.

Patrols raise concerns over possible blockade

China has increased coast guard activity east of Taiwan since June, adding to concerns among Taiwanese officials about Beijing’s intentions.

Taipei considers its eastern waters particularly important because they could serve as supply routes for international assistance during a conflict or maritime blockade.

Taiwanese security officials have warned that the growing presence of Chinese coast guard, military and civilian vessels could allow Beijing to strengthen its control over surrounding waters without immediately resorting to military force.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, while Taiwan’s government rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.

The two sides remain divided over the status of the island and the extent of their maritime jurisdiction.

Separate confrontation near Pratas Islands

The latest patrol coincided with another encounter involving Chinese and Taiwanese coast guard vessels near the Pratas Islands, a Taiwan-administered group of islands in the South China Sea.

Taiwan said a Chinese coast guard vessel entered restricted waters near the islands early Saturday, prompting a Taiwanese patrol ship to confront it and order it to leave.

The vessels came within approximately one nautical mile of each other during the encounter, according to Taiwan’s coast guard.

Taiwanese authorities said they had driven Chinese coast guard vessels away from the area 13 times this year, involving a total of 16 vessels.

The Pratas Islands lie more than 400 kilometres from Taiwan’s main island and occupy a strategic position between southern Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Both incidents have added to tensions over maritime operations around Taiwan, as Beijing continues its patrols and Taipei maintains that Chinese vessels have no authority to conduct law enforcement in waters under its administration.