Taiwan Coast Guard Monitors Chinese Vessels Near Kinmen Islands

On Tuesday, Taiwan’s Coast Guard (CGA) monitored four Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) vessels in restricted waters near the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen Islands. The intrusion was reported to the CGA’s Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch after 5 am local time. The CGA dispatched three patrol boats to monitor the Chinese vessels and collect evidence until they left the area at 8 am.

The Chinese boats, numbered 14609, 14603, 14513, and 14605, entered the restricted area from the east of Beiding Island and south of Fuxing Island for about two hours. Taiwan’s CGA stated that these actions do not maintain ties between Kinmen and Xiamen or advance regional stability.

However, the China Coast Guard (CCG) claimed their actions were legal, aimed at ensuring fishing rights and security within China’s territory, which they claim includes Taiwan. This move is seen as a response to the deaths of two Chinese nationals in February when a Chinese speedboat capsized near the Kinmen Islands after being pursued by CGA personnel.

China has increased its activity in the area, with an average of five vessels entering restricted waters around the Taiwan-controlled island monthly. On May 6, four Chinese coast guard ships entered Kinmen’s territorial waters but were driven out by Taiwan Coast Guard vessels. The high-speed navigation by Chinese vessels has disrupted peace and stability, affecting maritime safety and traffic order. Taiwan’s Coast Guard urged China to cease these actions and maintain maritime order and safety.