China has launched a new coast guard patrol in waters east of Taiwan, prompting a strong protest from Taipei amid renewed tensions across the Taiwan Strait.
China’s Coast Guard said the operation is aimed at strengthening law enforcement patrols and safeguarding what Beijing describes as its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.
Taiwan rejected the move, calling it an illegal expansion of China’s authority and a violation of international law. Officials insisted Beijing has no jurisdiction over the waters east of the island.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard said it is closely monitoring the situation after detecting two Chinese coast guard vessels operating east of Hualien. It added that its own patrol ships have been deployed to track the Chinese vessels and respond if necessary.
The latest deployment comes just weeks after China carried out a similar patrol in the area, raising concerns among Taiwan and several Western nations over growing Chinese maritime activity.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, a position rejected by Taipei, which maintains that only the people of Taiwan have the right to determine the island’s future.
