China launched a new coast guard patrol fleet called the Xiushan ship formation east of Taiwan on July 4, replacing the Daishan task force that operated in the same area last month [1, 2, 3, 4]. The patrols take place about 54 nautical miles east of Taiwan’s Hualien airbase, outside restricted waters [2, 4].
China says the patrols are meant to safeguard its sovereignty and maritime rights in waters it claims as its jurisdictional area [1, 2, 3, 4]. This marks the second Chinese coast guard deployment off Taiwan’s east coast in about a month, following an initial patrol in June [1, 2, 4]. China’s June patrol came amid Japan and the Philippines announcing talks on maritime boundaries in areas China considers near its claimed waters around Taiwan [1, 4].
Taiwan strongly condemned the patrols as illegal and disruptive, rejecting China’s sovereignty claims over the waters east of the island [1, 2, 4]. The Taiwan Mainland Affairs Council stated, “The Chinese communists have no sovereignty or related rights in the waters east of Taiwan, have no jurisdiction over these waters, and none of its official vessels have any law enforcement authority there.” [2] Taiwan’s Coast Guard has been monitoring the Chinese vessels closely and deployed ships alongside to track the patrol fleet [1, 2, 4]. It vowed to “continue to employ all necessary measures to forcefully expel Chinese vessels harassing our waters, steadfastly defend national sovereignty, and ensure the security of our maritime domains.” [4]
The patrols come amid heightened tensions as China reinforces claims over disputed waters east of Taiwan through regular law enforcement presence, challenging Taiwan’s assertions of sovereignty. The new Xiushan formation patrol replaced the previous Daishan task force to maintain continuous maritime patrols in the area [1, 3, 4].
Taiwan’s authorities remain on alert and prepared to counter any incursions into what it regards as its territorial waters. The situation will likely be closely monitored ahead of any further Chinese coast guard movements or diplomatic responses from Taipei and regional actors.
