TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Coast Guard has launched a large-scale sweep across its outlying islands to deter Chinese gray-zone provocations ahead of National Day.

Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch said the operation began on Sept. 30 and will continue through Double Ten and China’s Golden Week, per CNA. It combines patrols and high-tech surveillance to detect illegal activities.

Officials said the mission aims to prevent Beijing from exploiting the holiday period to conduct covert infiltration via small boats or disinformation campaigns. The Coast Guard said as of Thursday it carried out 52 patrol boat sorties, 146 vehicle patrols, 36 motorcycle patrols, and two drone missions.

Authorities said they tracked 36 Chinese Coast Guard ships and 33 other Chinese government vessels, repelled two trespassing fishing boats and three cargo ships, and dispersed one mass brawl. They also arrested one wanted organized crime suspect and blocked one person from leaving port.

The Coast Guard pledged to enforce maritime security and protect lives at sea. It also urged the public to report illegal activity through the 118 hotline.