TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Four Chinese coast guard vessels entered Taiwan's restricted waters around Kinmen on Tuesday.
At 2:50 p.m., the ships entered restricted waters in two groups, per the Coast Guard. Taiwan’s pre-positioned patrol boats approached and sailed in parallel with the vessels.
The Coast Guard patrol boats issued radio warnings in Mandarin and English, ordering them to change course and leave. The Chinese ships exited the restricted waters at 4:52 p.m.
The agency noted that it is peak fishing season for species such as mackerel and threadfin, with Kinmen fishermen heading out while sea conditions are favorable.
It accused the Chinese coast guard of using law enforcement patrols as a pretext to cross into restricted waters and conduct cognitive warfare. It said such actions undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
The Coast Guard said Chinese vessels have repeatedly entered Kinmen’s restricted waters in coordinated formations. It added it would continue to defend Taiwan’s maritime territory and safeguard fishermen’s rights.
