Taiwan has condemned the China Coast Guard for conducting patrols east of the island, labeling it as an illegal expansion of authority that violates international law and threatens regional stability. The Mainland Affairs Council stated that China lacks sovereignty, jurisdiction, or law enforcement rights in the waters east of Taiwan, emphasizing that Beijing’s patrols are unlawful and destabilizing.
The Mainland Affairs Council emphasized that repeating illegal actions does not make them legal, nor will it garner international acceptance. This response followed China’s announcement of a new coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, where China claimed it would enforce patrols in what it considers its jurisdictional waters.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration, in collaboration with other government agencies, pledged to take necessary actions to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and the security of its surrounding waters in response to China’s escalating destabilizing activities. Taiwan also affirmed its commitment to working with democratic partners globally to uphold freedom of navigation and regional sea lane security, while firmly opposing any coercive attempts to alter the international order.
The Coast Guard Administration reiterated Taiwan’s sovereign rights and jurisdiction over the Exclusive Economic Zone east of Taiwan, asserting that China has no sovereignty over any waters surrounding Taiwan. Taiwan vowed to expel Chinese vessels harassing its waters and defend national sovereignty, emphasizing that China’s attempts to disrupt Taiwan’s maritime activities cannot change this undeniable reality.
China has intensified its military exercises around Taiwan in recent years, asserting Taiwan as part of its territory that must be reunified with the mainland, even by force if necessary. Despite China’s efforts, Taiwan, with strong public support, continues to assert its sovereignty and respond to Chinese intrusions.
