Taiwan Denounces Chinese Coast Guard Incursion Near Disputed Pratas Islands
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Taiwan's Coast Guard reported a new incursion by Chinese coast guard vessels near the disputed Pratas Islands.
- Chinese vessels '3303' and '3107' entered waters near the atoll, prompting a response from Taiwan's patrol boat 'Yunlin'.
- Taiwan condemned the action as a disruption to regional peace and stability, vowing to defend its sovereignty.
Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration (CGA) reported a new incursion by Chinese coast guard vessels in waters near the Pratas Islands, a disputed atoll controlled by Taipei but claimed by Beijing.
In this moment, close surveillance is maintained and the confrontation continues.
According to the CGA, Chinese vessels '3303' and '3107' entered what Taiwan considers 'restricted waters' early Tuesday. In response, the Taiwanese patrol boat 'Yunlin' shadowed the Chinese ships, issuing radio warnings in both Chinese and English for them to leave the area.
The CGA stated that this action is part of a pattern of Chinese behavior aimed at asserting power under the guise of law enforcement. The administration condemned the incursions as a disruption to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. Taiwan vowed to take all necessary measures to firmly defend its national sovereignty and the security of its waters.
By allowing its ships to harass Dongsha waters in an attempt to fabricate an appearance of 'jurisdiction', China has become a disruptive element that undermines peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Pratas Islands, known as Dongsha in Mandarin, are strategically located in the South China Sea. This incident follows a previous report of a Chinese military drone flying over Pratas airspace earlier in 2026, which Taiwan's government described as highly provocative. These maneuvers coincide with increased Chinese naval activity east of Taiwan, a critical area for global trade and potential military support for Taipei.
We will take all necessary measures to firmly defend national sovereignty and the security of Taiwanese waters.
Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.