Chinese coast guard vessel contacts unidentified small boat in Penghu waters; Taiwan's Lien Chiang vessel monitors

A Chinese coast guard vessel, identified as number 2102, was spotted interacting with an unidentified three-hulled small boat in waters near Taiwan's Penghu islands. The encounter was witnessed and photographed by local Taiwanese fishermen.

The incident unfolded as a Chinese research vessel, the Dong Fang Hong 3, and a Chinese coast guard fleet sailed eastward across the median line of the Taiwan Strait. Taiwan's Coast Guard vessel Lien Chiang was dispatched to the area as a precautionary measure. While the research vessel Dong Fang Hong 3 eventually turned back, the coast guard ship 2102 remained in the vicinity.

According to maritime intelligence data, Chinese research vessels have been actively mapping the seabed in the Western Pacific, creating detailed 3D maps. This activity is seen as potentially significant for future military operations, particularly concerning submarine activity in the event of a U.S.-China conflict.

The Chinese coast guard vessel 2102 had departed from Xiamen on July 15th and was escorting the Dong Fang Hong 3. Even after the research vessel departed, the coast guard ship continued to loiter in the area, engaging with the unidentified fishing boat. Taiwan's Lien Chiang vessel maintained a close watch on the Chinese coast guard ship's movements.