Taiwan and China Coast Guards Clash Near Pratas Islands in South China Sea

Taiwan's and China's coast guard vessels engaged in a tense standoff for a second consecutive day near the Pratas Islands, a Taiwanese‑controlled atoll at the northern edge of the South China Sea. On Saturday, Taiwan's coast guard spotted a Chinese coast guard ship approaching the islands and sent its own vessel, with both sides broadcasting radio messages that repeatedly asserted sovereignty. The Chinese vessel claimed it was on a routine mission and reiterated China's jurisdiction over the Pratas, while the Taiwanese ship warned against destroying peace and urged a return to democratic principles.

The Pratas, located more than 400 km from Taiwan’s main island, are lightly defended by Taiwan’s coast guard rather than its military. Earlier incidents include Taiwan driving away a Chinese research ship this month and a Chinese reconnaissance drone briefly overflying the atoll in January, which Taiwan called “provocative and irresponsible.” Taiwan’s National Security Council has warned that about 100 Chinese ships operate within the first island chain, heightening regional tension after President Xi discussed Taiwan with U.S. President Trump in Beijing earlier this month.