The quiet escalation unfolding around Taiwan’s remote outposts as Beijing sends ships

Taiwan has reported mainland Chinese law enforcement vessels entering waters near an island it controls in the South China Sea for the first time. Experts believe this action could lay the groundwork for Beijing to assert effective control over the disputed maritime area.

The incident occurred when two mainland Chinese law enforcement ships, the Sansha Zhifa 301 and Sansha No 2, entered the 3.2-nautical-mile prohibited waters around Taiping Island, also known as Itu Aba. Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration stated the vessels approached closer to the defined restrictive waters before being expelled by its coastguard.

This marks the first instance of mainland Chinese government vessels entering these specific waters near Taiping Island, according to Taiwan. The report follows Beijing's accusations that Taiwan's ruling party has been inactive regarding maritime delineation talks between Japan and the Philippines, which could impact exclusive economic zones claimed by both Beijing and Taipei.

Previously, a mainland Chinese coastguard ship had entered the prohibited waters of the Pratas Islands (Dongsha Islands) on June 5. Analysts suggest these maneuvers are Beijing's way of asserting sovereignty through tangible actions, potentially strengthening its claims in the region.