Chinese coast guard ship enters Taiwan-controlled Pratas restricted waters again, prompting standoff

A Chinese coast guard ship entered restricted waters around the Pratas Islands again on the 7th, leading to a faceoff with a Taiwanese patrol vessel in an area Taiwan effectively controls.

Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration said Chinese vessel 3501 was spotted sailing outside the restricted zone at about 5 a.m. local time. After analyzing its course, Taiwan judged that the ship was highly likely to enter and sent the patrol vessel Yunlin ahead of time.

The Chinese vessel entered the restricted waters through the sea southwest of Pratas Island at about 8 a.m. Yunlin immediately approached and sailed alongside it while monitoring its movements. Taiwan also broadcast warnings in Chinese and English, ordering the ship to leave the restricted waters.

The Chinese coast guard ship did not withdraw, and the two vessels remained in a standoff. Taiwan said that during the exchange, the Chinese ship referred to Taiwan over the maritime communications channel as “China’s Taiwan.” It also warned: “If you do not return to the one-China principle, you will definitely pay a heavy price.”

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If you do not return to the one-China principle, you will definitely pay a heavy price.