TAIPEI/BEIJING, July 31 (Reuters) – China's coast guard carried out what it called routine patrols in waters east of Taiwan on Friday, which upset Taipei. Taiwan criticized these actions as a political move aimed at increasing Beijing's control.
The Chinese activities near Taiwan’s Pacific coast have raised concerns among several Western nations. They have warned against any unilateral actions that might change the current situation or escalate tensions in the Taiwan Strait.
China's coast guard stated that the patrols were led by one of its ships named Xiushan and promised to continue these efforts.
According to spokesperson Jiang Lue, "Since July, the Xiushan task group has been increasing control over the relevant waters to effectively ensure orderly navigation and activities."
He added that this effort was to protect the legitimate rights and interests, as well as the lives and property of fishermen on both sides of the Strait.
In response, Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration reported that it deployed the patrol vessel Taipei to monitor the Chinese ships, accusing Beijing of engaging in "fake law enforcement" that serves as a means of power expansion.
Two Chinese coast guard vessels, Xiushan and Chongming, were identified on Friday. One was spotted approximately 151 nautical miles east of Lanyu (Orchid Island), while the other was about 43 nautical miles northeast of the island, with Taiwan's ships observing their activities.
Taiwan vowed to "take all necessary measures to defend national sovereignty" and ensure the safety of its waters.
China claims Taiwan as its territory, despite the fact that Taiwan's government rejects these sovereignty claims. Taiwan asserts that only its people have the right to determine their future.
China has increased military and coast guard activities around Taiwan, particularly to the east where it is seen as crucial for wartime supply routes with allies.
These eastern patrols began in early June, responding to maritime border discussions between Japan and the Philippines, which has raised eyebrows among nations like Britain, France, Germany, and the United States.
This week, the U.S. de facto embassy in Taiwan made a rare public announcement regarding cooperation between their coast guards.
They released a photo showing a Taiwanese coast guard vessel sailing alongside the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Midgett at an undisclosed location.