China and Taiwan clash over coast guard patrols east of island
China deployed coast guard ships for patrols east of Taiwan in early June 2026, prompting Taiwan to accuse them of harassing merchant vessels and claiming unlawful jurisdiction. The patrols were triggered by Japan and the Philippines announcing formal talks on maritime boundaries, which China views as involving waters it claims. The dispute reflects escalating tensions over Taiwan's sovereignty and control of strategic waters in the region.
China's coast guard launched what Beijing called a "special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation" east of Taiwan on June 6, 2026, in response to Japan and the Philippines announcing plans for formal maritime boundary talks. Taiwan's government alleged that Chinese vessels harassed commercial shipping by demanding information about origins and destinations while asserting jurisdiction over the waters. Chinese officials defended the patrols as lawful exercises of sovereignty, with a spokesperson from China's Taiwan Affairs Office stating they would continue strengthening control over the disputed waters. Taiwan's Foreign Minister and cabinet officials rejected Beijing's claims, describing the patrols as a pretext for expansion and a violation of international law. The incident also involved Chinese coast guard activity near Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea, which China claims sovereignty over. The confrontation underscores the ongoing dispute over Taiwan's status and maritime territorial claims in the region.
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- The HinduCenter
China, Taiwan spar over legality of coast guard patrols east of island
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