Taiwan reports Chinese coast guard incursion near Kinmen islands ahead of typhoon

Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration reported Chinese vessels entered restricted waters near the Kinmen islands on Wednesday. Four Chinese coast guard ships were detected approaching the "restricted waters" of Kinmen, an archipelago under Taiwanese control just kilometers from China's southeastern coast. The incident occurred days before the arrival of Super Typhoon Bavi.

In response, Taiwan's CGA deployed four patrol boats to monitor the Chinese vessels. They maintained parallel tracking, kept watch, and gathered evidence. Taiwan's coast guard demanded the Chinese ships leave the area immediately via radio broadcasts.

The Chinese coast guard vessels departed the area at 11:13 a.m. local time, after being closely monitored and warned. This latest incursion follows a pattern of increased Chinese maritime activity near Taiwan. Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected over 100 Chinese official vessels near the self-governing territory in June, with 36 recorded so far in July.

Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall in the U.S. territory of the Northern Mariana Islands two days ago. It is forecast to hit Taiwan between July 10 and 11, potentially passing northeast of the island, according to the Central Weather Agency.