Taiwan Accuses Chinese Coast Guard of Harassment as Strait Tensions Escalate

Taiwan said Chinese coast‑guard vessels intercepted merchant ships east of the island, demanding origin and destination details and "harassing" the vessels. Taiwan’s foreign minister condemned the patrols as a pretext for expansion and a threat to the status quo.

Separately, Taiwan’s armed forces carried out live‑fire drills along the western coast, firing 372 projectiles in a twenty‑kilometre sector to simulate repelling an amphibious landing. The exercises were described as a layered‑defence response to possible Chinese aggression.

Beijing defended its actions as lawful law‑enforcement patrols to protect national sovereignty and maritime rights. The dispute follows recent moves by Japan and the Philippines to begin formal talks on their maritime boundaries, which Beijing views as involving waters near Taiwan. The tension remains a flashpoint between China, Taiwan and regional partners, including the United States.