China Ships Taiping Island: Taiwan Reports First-Ever Entry Into Disputed Waters
China Ships Taiping Island — Beijing Sends Vessels Into Disputed South China Sea Zone
China vs Taiwan – (Web Desk) – China ships entered Taiping Island’s prohibited waters for the first time, staying for 15 minutes before Taiwan’s coast guard forced them out. Taiwan called it a serious escalation.
Two Chinese vessels crossed into the restricted zone around the island, which extends four kilometres from shore. The coast guard quickly responded and expelled the ships.
Taiwan’s coast guard issued its strongest condemnation of the incident. Officials said China was deliberately trying to create a false impression of jurisdiction over the area.
Taiping Island, also called Itu Aba, is the largest island in the Spratly archipelago. Taiwan, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam all claim it.
The Ocean Affairs Council said China is “systematically harassing Taiwan.” It added that Chinese actions in the region are a direct challenge to international order, not just a response to Japan-Philippines talks.
Taiwan also accused Chinese ships of stopping three commercial cargo vessels and asking for their destination ports. Officials called this behaviour clear harassment.
In a separate incident, a Chinese survey vessel joined a coast guard ship near Pratas Island. Taiwan said it was the first time China used both types of vessels together to provoke Taiwan in that area.
Taiwan controls Pratas Island, but Beijing also claims it along with most of the South China Sea.
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