Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) has strongly refuted claims by the China Coast Guard (CCG) that its ships have been conducting “law enforcement patrols” in the waters near Taiwan’s outlying Kinmen County. In a statement released on Tuesday, the CGA described these incursions as “malicious harassment” that threaten peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
China’s Claim vs. Taiwan’s Response
Earlier that day, the CCG’s Fujian branch announced that it had been conducting “regular law enforcement patrols” near Kinmen, citing legal authority over the waters. In response, the CGA clarified that China’s actions were neither routine patrols nor legitimate law enforcement operations but deliberate intrusions into Taiwan’s restricted waters.
The CGA’s Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch confirmed that four CCG vessels—identified as 14608, 14517, 14605, and 14609—entered the restricted waters south of Kinmen around 2:50 p.m. on Tuesday. These vessels approached from different locations, prompting the immediate deployment of four Taiwanese patrol boats to intercept them.
Despite ignoring Taiwan’s radio transmissions, the Chinese vessels were met with stern warnings from Taiwanese personnel. After a tense standoff, the CCG ships were driven out of Kinmen’s restricted waters by 5 p.m.
Rising Incursions and Increasing Tensions
According to the CGA, China has significantly escalated its maritime presence in the area. Over the past year, Chinese coast guard vessels have entered Kinmen’s waters 64 times, averaging four incursions per month, with each incident lasting approximately two hours.
Tensions have been particularly high since the “Kinmen Incident” on February 14, 2024. In that case, a Chinese motorboat collided with a CGA vessel, capsizing and leading to the deaths of two out of four Chinese crew members. The incident prompted Beijing to intensify its patrols near Kinmen, despite an existing memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in 2015 that was intended to regulate maritime activities in the Taiwan Strait.
Strategic Importance of Kinmen
Kinmen, a small island group administered by Taiwan, is located just 2 kilometers off the coast of China’s Fujian province. While Taiwan controls the islands, China continues to assert sovereignty over them, along with the rest of Taiwan, despite never having ruled it.
Beijing has frequently used maritime incursions to pressure Taiwan, particularly around outlying islands like Kinmen and Matsu, where Chinese fishing boats and coast guard vessels have repeatedly challenged Taiwan’s maritime authority.
Taiwan’s Strategy Moving Forward
The CGA has vowed to step up its defenses and surveillance operations in response to China’s increased presence. Taiwan’s government has reiterated that it will not tolerate violations of its territorial waters and will continue to enforce maritime security measures.
As tensions rise in the Taiwan Strait, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. The continued incursions by Chinese vessels highlight the broader geopolitical struggle between Taiwan and China, as Beijing seeks to assert dominance in the region while Taipei defends its sovereignty.
FAQs
What did China claim about its presence near Kinmen?
China claimed that its coast guard was conducting “regular law enforcement patrols” near Kinmen in accordance with Chinese law.
How did Taiwan respond to China’s claim?
Taiwan’s Coast Guard rejected the claim, stating that China’s actions were not law enforcement but “malicious harassment” aimed at disrupting regional stability.
What happened in the “Kinmen Incident” on February 14, 2024?
A Chinese motorboat collided with a Taiwanese Coast Guard vessel, capsized, and resulted in the deaths of two Chinese crew members. The incident heightened tensions between the two sides.
How did Taiwan handle the recent Chinese incursions?
Taiwan deployed patrol boats to drive the Chinese vessels out of restricted waters. The incident lasted over two hours before the Chinese ships retreated.
What agreements exist between Taiwan and China regarding maritime activity?
A 2015 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed to regulate maritime activities, but China has repeatedly ignored or violated its terms.
