Key facts
- Taiwan and China coast guard ships engaged in a standoff near the Pratas Islands.
- The incident occurred in the South China Sea.
- Taiwan's Coast Guard stated a Chinese ship entered restricted waters after ignoring warnings.
- Taiwan accused China of trying to create a false impression of jurisdiction.
- This is the second such standoff in two weeks.
A tense standoff occurred between the Taiwanese and Chinese Coast Guards near the Pratas Islands in the South China Sea. Taiwan's Coast Guard reported that a Chinese coast guard ship entered restricted waters around the islands after speeding up and making a sharp turn, disregarding warnings. Taiwan stated this action aimed to create a false impression of Chinese jurisdiction and undermine regional stability. This incident marks the second such confrontation in two weeks. The Pratas Islands, controlled by Taiwan but located closer to mainland China, are considered vulnerable due to their distance from Taiwan island. Taiwan's Coast Guard is responsible for security in this area, rather than the military.