Taiwan Deploys Coast Guard Vessels After Detecting Chinese Ships Near Island

Taiwan's Coast Guard reported detecting four Chinese government vessels that left the port of Xiamen and entered waters east of the island, describing the move as a breach of international law. In response, Taiwan dispatched more than five of its own ships to monitor the situation and support observation activities.

Beijing termed the Chinese operation an "enforcement of law" and linked it to recent talks between Japan and the Philippines on delimiting their maritime boundaries. The Chinese transport ministry organized maritime police forces from Fujian and Guangdong provinces for a special operation in the same area. The incident highlights escalating tensions among Taiwan, China, Japan and the Philippines over competing claims in the East and South China Seas.