China Resumes 'Law Enforcement Patrols' East of Taiwan, Sparking Condemnation

China's coast guard has resumed 'law enforcement patrols' in waters east of Taiwan, approximately one month after similar operations, signaling a continued effort to assert its presence in the region. The Chinese Coast Guard stated on July 4 that the Xiushan fleet would replace the Daisan fleet to continue regular patrols in the waters east of Taiwan.

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These activities are aimed at maintaining navigational order and protecting the legitimate rights of Chinese fishermen, including our compatriots in Taiwan.

China's Coast Guard spokesperson, Zhang Ruyue, claimed the patrols aim to maintain navigational order and protect the legitimate rights of Chinese fishermen, including those from Taiwan. He asserted that the China Coast Guard would continue to strengthen law enforcement patrols in its jurisdictional waters and resolutely defend national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights. Taiwan's Coast Guard confirmed it had deployed two vessels to monitor Chinese mainland ships operating about 54 nautical miles (100 km) off Hualien.

Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council strongly condemned the actions, labeling them an illegal expansion violating international law and undermining regional stability. The council stated that the Chinese Communist Party has no sovereignty or related rights over the waters east of Taiwan, nor any jurisdiction, and its official vessels possess no law enforcement authority there. Taiwan's Coast Guard reported that Chinese vessels were located 80-140 nautical miles off Taiwan's east coast, within Taiwan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). This area is subject to overlapping claims for economic activities by Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

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This is an illegal expansion that violates international law and undermines regional stability.

U.S. media, including The New York Times, interpreted China's patrols as a new offensive to test Taiwan's control over strategically vital areas for future invasions. SeaLight representative Ray Powell noted that these patrols are more focused, organized, and politically explicit than previous operations, likening China's actions to a boa constrictor tightening its grip to control communication routes. This latest deployment follows China's declaration of a 'special operation' in the waters east of Taiwan last month, during which its vessels approached within 32 nautical miles (60 km) of Taiwan's coast.

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China is trying to seize control of communication routes by tightening its grip on Taiwan like a boa constrictor.