TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Four Chinese coast guard vessels entered restricted waters near Kinmen on Tuesday, prompting Taiwan’s Coast Guard to deploy patrol boats and issue warnings.
The Coast Guard said the Chinese vessels entered the waters in the afternoon and its patrol boats shadowed them. It said warnings were broadcast until all four vessels departed two hours later.
The agency said the operation took place while sea conditions remained unstable after Typhoon Bavi. It accused China's coast guard of disregarding maritime navigation and operational safety to conduct gray-zone harassment operations.
It said the actions not only undermined peace and stability but also reflected a willingness to use any means necessary to achieve political objectives. It urged China to restrain its provocative actions, focus on typhoon recovery efforts, and fulfill its responsibilities to promote people's welfare.
