Taiwan Coast Guard orders ships to reject Chinese inspections amid patrols

Taiwan’s Coast Guard has instructed vessels operating off the island’s east coast to ignore any boarding or inspection demands by China’s Coast Guard and to notify authorities, warning that Taiwanese patrols will intervene to separate the ships if necessary. Deputy head Hsieh Ching‑chin said crews should "not respond to the so‑called boarding inspections" and that foreign‑registered ships would also be protected.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian defended the recent mainland coast‑guard patrols in the same waters, describing them as “reasonable, lawful, legitimate, and necessary” actions to safeguard China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights.

Taiwan characterises the missions as part of a broader “grey‑zone” harassment campaign, noting that Chinese vessels, including survey ships, have operated around Taiwan’s main island, the Pratas and Itu Aba islands. The activity has drawn concern from the United States, Britain, France and Germany.