World

Taiwan Coast Guard Reports Chinese Militia Boats Operating Near Taiwan, Raising Regional Tensions

By Reuters

Taiwan’s Coast Guard said it has been observing Chinese militia vessels operating alongside coast guard ships and a research vessel in waters near Taiwan’s Pacific coast. The agency confirmed that on August 16 a suspected militia fishing boat, identified as Minfudingyu 07902, approached about 2.7 nautical miles outside Taiwan’s restricted zone. Taiwan dispatched a patrol boat to drive the vessel away.

The Coast Guard noted that China has increased such activity since June in overlapping economic waters involving Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines, following recent talks between Tokyo and Manila on maritime boundary delimitation. The 200‑nautical‑mile exclusive economic zones give coastal states rights to exploit, conserve and manage natural resources.

Taiwan’s statement warned that these “grey‑zone” operations, which use law‑enforcement, scientific and civilian cover, raise the surveillance and response burden on Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines and could create regional security pressure. The agency said the coordinated activity is part of a broader pattern of Chinese “battlefield preparation” aimed at the island’s east coast, an important maritime traffic and supply route.

China’s defence ministry, the Philippines’ defence and foreign ministries, and Japan’s coast guard did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Taiwan’s coast guard placed Minfudingyu 07902 on a priority watchlist, noting its characteristics of maritime militia activity, and said it would continue tracking the vessel. The surveillance report was produced by Taiwan’s Apex Aviation using radar screenshots, infrared imagery and automatic‑identification system data from a reconnaissance flight.

China claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force. Taiwan rejects the claim, stating that only its people can decide their future. China maintains that its operations off Taiwan’s east coast are legitimate and lawful because they are in Chinese waters, a position Taipei strongly rejects.