Key facts
- Taiwan's coast guard reported Chinese vessels harassed commercial ships by demanding origin and destination information.
- Taiwanese ships responded that China has no jurisdiction in these waters and should cease harassment.
- The incidents occurred in waters east of Taiwan following China's response to Japan-Philippines maritime talks.
- Commercial ships maintained normal navigation and were not boarded or inspected.
- The U.S. State Department urged Beijing to cease pressure against Taiwan and engage in dialogue.
Taiwan's coast guard reported that Chinese coast guard vessels operating in waters near Taiwan have been "harassing" commercial shipping. The Chinese ships broadcast messages to passing commercial vessels, inquiring about their ports of departure and destination and asserting jurisdiction. Taiwan's own coast guard vessels broadcast responses, stating that these were Taiwanese waters where China held no jurisdiction and urging the Chinese vessels to cease their actions. The incidents follow China's strong reaction to Japan and the Philippines initiating formal talks on their maritime boundaries, which China views as encroaching on waters off Taiwan. Late Saturday, Chinese state media reported that ships had been dispatched for a "special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation" east of Taiwan in response to the Japan-Philippines announcement. Taiwan's coast guard confirmed that since Sunday, Chinese vessels had engaged in these inquiries. Despite the Chinese coast guard's actions, ships passing through Taiwan's waters maintained normal navigation and were not boarded, inspected, approached, or interfered with. Taiwan's government rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, while Beijing refuses dialogue with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, labeling him a "separatist." A U.S. State Department spokesperson commented on the increased Chinese coast guard activity, stating that the U.S. expects differences between China and Taiwan to be resolved peacefully and "free from coercion." The spokesperson urged Beijing to cease its pressure against Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with the island's elected leadership.