China, Taiwan spar over legality of coast guard patrols east of island

China and Taiwan are engaged in a verbal dispute over the legality of Chinese coast guard patrols operating east of the self-governing island. The disagreement intensified after Taiwan reported that merchant ships had been "harassed" near its waters.

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The relevant mainland authorities' law-enforcement patrols in the relevant waters are a just act to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.

Beijing, which considers Taiwan its own territory, initiated these patrols following Japan and the Philippines' announcement of formal talks on maritime boundaries. China views this development as encroaching on waters it claims near Taiwan. Chinese state media reported that ships were dispatched for a "special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation" east of Taiwan in response to the regional announcement.

Taiwan's government stated that these Chinese vessels have been stopping commercial ships to inquire about their points of origin and destination, asserting jurisdiction in the area. "The relevant mainland authorities' law-enforcement patrols in the relevant waters are a just act to safeguard national sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," said Zhang Han, a spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office. She added that China would continue to strengthen its control over these waters.

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The Chinese communists have no right to intervene in matters concerning the waters east of Taiwan, whether they involve Taiwan's sovereignty or jurisdiction.

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung expressed anger, calling China's actions a pretext for expansion. "The Chinese communists have no right to intervene in matters concerning the waters east of Taiwan, whether they involve Taiwan's sovereignty or jurisdiction," he stated, labeling China a "problem-maker" disrupting the status quo. Taiwan's cabinet Secretary-General Xavier Chang echoed this sentiment, asserting that Beijing's actions endanger Taiwan's sovereignty and violate international law. "We will not yield an inch of our blue maritime territory," he vowed.

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The Chinese communists' actions not only endanger our country's sovereignty, but also violate relevant international laws and international conventions.

China, however, does not recognize Taiwan's sovereignty claims and has rejected dialogue offers from President Lai Ching-te, whom it labels a "separatist." Beijing also maintains sovereignty over the Pratas Islands, located strategically in the South China Sea, where Taiwan has previously reported Chinese coast guard activity. China warned that Taiwan's ruling party, the Democratic Progressive Party, must bear consequences if it provokes further action.

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We will not yield an inch of our blue maritime territory.