Taiwan calls China Coast Guard patrols east of island 'provocative act'

Taiwan's Defense Minister Wellington Koo has labeled Chinese Coast Guard patrols east of the island as a 'provocative act' and 'cognitive warfare.' The military intends to collaborate with the Coast Guard to protect national sovereignty amidst rising tensions. The patrols took place near the Pratas Islands in the South China Sea, an area where Taiwan's coast guard engaged with Chinese coast guard and research vessels. This confrontation followed China's initiation of a "law enforcement operation" in the vicinity. China's increased maritime surveillance east of Taiwan is occurring in a region critical for shipping routes and undersea cables. This heightened activity coincides with scheduled discussions between Japan and the Philippines aimed at defining their respective maritime boundaries in the area. The situation highlights escalating tensions in the Indo-Pacific region and China's assertive maritime presence.