Taiwan says ‘significant’ rise in China maritime activity near island

Taiwan detected a significant increase in Chinese maritime activity around the island democracy in June, with a coast guard official reporting a surge in "grey zone harassment." A total of 263 Chinese vessels, including coast guard, rescue, and research ships, were observed in waters around Taiwan and its outer islands last month, up from 200 in May and 171 in June of the previous year. This figure excludes warships.

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Whether in terms of the types or the number of government vessels involved in these grey-zone activities, there was a significant increase.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted a substantial rise in both the types and numbers of government vessels engaged in these activities. China launched "law enforcement" patrols east of Taiwan in June, which Taipei condemned as "provocative" and "expansionism in disguise." For the first time, the China Coast Guard radioed cargo ships passing Taiwan to inquire about their crew and destinations.

A senior Taiwanese government official, also speaking anonymously, stated that China's objective extends beyond disrupting shipping. The aim, he explained, is to "prevent Taiwan from receiving supplies" by blocking commercial ships. "What it is trying to do is put into practice what it has long talked about, using quarantine-like measures to carry out an anaconda strategy against Taiwan," the official said.

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What it is trying to do is put into practice what it has long talked about, using quarantine-like measures to carry out an anaconda strategy against Taiwan.

Taiwan plans to conduct live drills to practice responding to potential quarantine or blockade scenarios. The official also highlighted that China's newer coast guard ships, transferred from the navy, are military-grade and more robust than Taiwan's fleet. These vessels often operate in pairs, creating a considerable monitoring burden for the Taiwan coast guard due to the extensive areas they cover.

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The only difference is their paint scheme. This is also why during collision incidents in the South China Sea they are able to recover so quickly.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te urged his party to oppose China's "red terror" and safeguard the island's "democratic and free way of life."

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oppose China’s “red terror” and protect the island’s “democratic and free way of life”.