China launches new coast guard patrol east of Taiwan amid rising regional tensions
China has launched a new Coast Guard patrol east of Taiwan, intensifying tensions across the Taiwan Strait despite growing concern from several Western countries. Beijing said the patrols are aimed at carrying out "law enforcement" operations and safeguarding what it describes as its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights in waters under its jurisdiction.
Taiwan's Coast Guard said it is closely monitoring the Chinese vessels and has deployed its own ships to shadow them. According to Taiwanese authorities, the Chinese ships were operating about 54 nautical miles east of Hualien, remaining outside Taiwan's restricted waters.
Taipei reiterated that it does not recognise China's jurisdiction over its waters and warned that it would take all necessary measures to prevent any interference with its maritime activities.
The latest deployment marks the second Chinese coast guard patrol east of Taiwan in about a month, reflecting Beijing's increasing use of maritime law enforcement vessels to reinforce its territorial claims.
The move comes amid heightened regional tensions involving Japan, the Philippines and Western nations, all of which have expressed concern over China's expanding presence around Taiwan and the potential impact on regional stability.
