TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s national defense and security agencies are aware of the situation around Dongsha Island, Presidential Office Spokesperson Karen Kuo (郭雅慧) said on Wednesday in response to a report on encroaching Chinese oil rigs.

The Jamestown Foundation published a report on Tuesday highlighting the threat posed by Chinese oil rigs deployed near Dongsha Island’s restricted waters. The report urged Taiwan to closely monitor the situation and voice opposition to the gray zone tactic, like Japan and Vietnam have done.

In a statement,  Kuo said China’s oil and gas exploration platforms and other fixed structures within Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan's exclusive economic zones and continental shelves violate international legal norms, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

It also undermines the global order and threatens regional stability. Nations in the South China Sea also face similar moves by Beijing.

“As a regional actor, China should provide a clear explanation for its actions and immediately cease illegal installations and extraction activities in the economic waters of Taiwan and other countries in the region,” Kuo said. 

Kuo added the government is conducting “comprehensive assessments” of the risks involved before responding to the development. Taiwan will work with regional partners to form joint responses on these issues and ensure regional security and stability, she added.