The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) stated today (March 21) that Dongsha Atoll, designated as Taiwan’s first national marine park, is a high-level marine protected area where all forms of fishing and angling are strictly prohibited to preserve marine ecosystems. Due to successful marine conservation efforts, Dongsha has become rich in fishery resources—standing in stark contrast to the depleted nearshore resources along China’s coast. However, the area has recently faced frequent intrusions by Chinese fishermen engaging in illegal and large-scale fishing operations. Despite limited resources, CGA personnel stationed at Dongsha have remained steadfast in safeguarding national sovereignty and have repeatedly cracked down on China’s unlawful harvesting activities—some involving destructive behavior such as indiscriminate fishing and even butchering protected species like green sea turtles.

On February 15 of this year, a fleet of Chinese fishing vessels appeared near Dongsha in a formation unprecedented in recent years. This occurrence was notable both for its timing—during a period of poor sea conditions—and for the scale of its operations: initially six large mother ships deployed as many as 29 small boats. To protect the marine resources in the area, the CGA promptly launched enforcement actions. During these operations, Chinese Coast Guard vessels intruded into Taiwan’s restricted waters to interfere with law enforcement, circling within the zone and escorting environmental offenders—disregarding the universal value of marine sustainability and posing one of the most serious provocations to Taiwan’s sovereignty and regional peace. The CGA strongly condemns the Chinese Coast Guard’s egregious conduct.

On February 26, the CGA launched an intensified crackdown operation in the Dongsha region, intercepting and boarding the Chinese fishing vessel “Yue Rao Yu 23588.” During the mission, two Chinese Coast Guard vessels again entered Taiwan’s restricted waters in an attempt to interfere. In response, the CGA deployed 2 vessels to block the intruders and lawfully detained five small boats. On March 11, one more Chinese small boat was seized. Although Chinese Coast Guard vessels continued to interfere, all attempts failed, and they were forced out of the restricted zone by CGA ships.

After March 12, no further Chinese fishing vessels have been detected in Dongsha waters. However, two Chinese Coast Guard vessels continued to loiter near the restricted zone, causing further disruption. CGA vessels have maintained full surveillance and issued warnings to drive them away. On March 12 at 16:00, the Yunlin vessel forced Chinese Coast Guard ship 3101 out of the restricted zone; on March 16 at 13:00, the Taitung vessel drove out ship 3304. Yet, on March 18 at 22:00, ship 3304 returned to harass the Dongsha restricted waters, repeatedly entering and exiting the zone. CGA vessels are currently maintaining round-the-clock monitoring and repulsion operations.

The CGA emphasized that “Life Below Water” is one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) under the United Nations 2030 Agenda. The CGA is committed to upholding a rules-based international order and combating illegal fishing. However, China has chosen to use its Coast Guard to escort fishing vessels into Taiwan’s restricted waters for unlawful harvesting—blatantly violating shared global values of marine sustainability. The CGA strongly condemns such uncivilized and aggressive behavior. Furthermore, it stressed that China’s repeated harassment and interference in Taiwan’s maritime law enforcement not only escalates cross-strait tensions but also unilaterally undermines regional peace and stability. The CGA will continue to safeguard Dongsha waters 24/7, closely monitor Chinese Coast Guard activities, and resolutely defend national sovereignty and ensure the sustainable development of Dongsha’s marine resources.