CHINA said on Saturday it has launched a coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, replacing a naval task force previously deployed in the area, in a move that has heightened tensions with Taipei and drawn concern from Western capitals.
In a statement, China’s Coast Guard said the fleet would conduct “law enforcement patrols” and strengthen operations in what it described as China’s jurisdictional waters.
The deployment marks the second such operation in about a month, as Beijing continues to assert claims over waters surrounding Taiwan, which it regards as part of its territory.
The move has triggered a strong response from Taiwan’s Coast Guard, which said it had dispatched monitoring vessels and would take firm action against any incursions.
“Taiwan’s Coast Guard said it had deployed monitoring vessels and would use ‘all necessary measures to forcefully expel Chinese vessels harassing our waters’,” according to officials.
The latest patrol is part of an escalating pattern of maritime activity in the region, which has already drawn attention from the United States, France, Germany and Britain amid concerns over regional stability.
China previously said its earlier operation in June was conducted in response to a joint announcement by Japan and the Philippines to begin formal talks on maritime boundaries, which Beijing claims involves waters it considers under its jurisdiction around Taiwan.
Taiwan has rejected Beijing’s assertions, stating that it has no authority over the island or its surrounding waters, and has instructed its vessels to ignore any boarding or inspection attempts by Chinese authorities.
Taiwanese officials also said they would intervene if necessary to prevent enforcement actions by Chinese coast guard ships.
The latest developments underscore continuing friction between Beijing and Taipei, with both sides maintaining sharply contrasting positions on sovereignty and maritime rights. - July 4, 2026
