January
1150119-China Coast Guard Harassment in Kinmen Waters , Jan 19, 2026
January 19, 2026-Mainland China Coast Guard Again Conducts Formation Intrusion into Kinmen Waters; TCGA Braves Rough Seas to Conduct Parallel Monitoring and Expulsion
Affected by a strong northeast monsoon, sea conditions in the Kinmen waters significantly deteriorated today (19), with sustained winds reaching Beaufort Force 6 to 7, gusts up to Force 9, and waves of approximately 3 meters. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the 12th Patrol Area under the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration (TCGA) Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch detected Mainland China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels forming up in waters surrounding Kinmen during the afternoon. TCGA immediately activated its response mechanism and deployed patrol boats forward despite the rough seas to safeguard Taiwan’s maritime security, successfully expelling all intruding vessels.
At approximately 14:00, the 12th Patrol Area detected two groups of CCG vessels assembling outside waters south of Kinmen. TCGA immediately dispatched patrol boats to move forward and pre-position along the Restricted Area boundary. At 14:50, four CCG vessels — 14605, 14529, 14603, and 14533 — entered the Kinmen Restricted Area in two-vessel formations from the east of Liaoluo and south of Lieyu, proceeding on converging courses.
TCGA patrol boats immediately moved forward to conduct one-on-one parallel monitoring, preventing the vessels from further advancing into Taiwan’s waters. During the operation, TCGA patrol boats issued radio warnings in Mandarin and English, sternly demanding that the vessels alter course and depart immediately. Despite the heavy seas, TCGA personnel maintained close monitoring and expulsion operations. The CCG vessels ultimately turned away and exited Taiwan’s Restricted Area at 16:52.
The Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch stated that Mainland China Coast Guard vessels deliberately conducted formation intrusions despite extremely poor sea conditions. Such actions are unprofessional and irrational, disregard navigational safety, and pose serious risks to passing vessels. TCGA reiterated that safeguarding Taiwan’s Prohibited and Restricted Waters and defending national sovereignty are the Coast Guard’s core responsibilities and mission.
Regardless of weather conditions or changes in the maritime situation, TCGA will continue to maintain round-the-clock high-intensity surveillance, response, and deployment capabilities. Whenever harassment activities by the Mainland China Coast Guard are detected, TCGA will immediately move forward to conduct monitoring and expulsion operations, firmly upholding its law-enforcement stance to safeguard national sovereignty and ensure national security.
Affected by a strong northeast monsoon, sea conditions in the Kinmen waters significantly deteriorated today (19), with sustained winds reaching Beaufort Force 6 to 7, gusts up to Force 9, and waves of approximately 3 meters. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the 12th Patrol Area under the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration (TCGA) Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch detected Mainland China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels forming up in waters surrounding Kinmen during the afternoon. TCGA immediately activated its response mechanism and deployed patrol boats forward despite the rough seas to safeguard Taiwan’s maritime security, successfully expelling all intruding vessels.
At approximately 14:00, the 12th Patrol Area detected two groups of CCG vessels assembling outside waters south of Kinmen. TCGA immediately dispatched patrol boats to move forward and pre-position along the Restricted Area boundary. At 14:50, four CCG vessels — 14605, 14529, 14603, and 14533 — entered the Kinmen Restricted Area in two-vessel formations from the east of Liaoluo and south of Lieyu, proceeding on converging courses.
TCGA patrol boats immediately moved forward to conduct one-on-one parallel monitoring, preventing the vessels from further advancing into Taiwan’s waters. During the operation, TCGA patrol boats issued radio warnings in Mandarin and English, sternly demanding that the vessels alter course and depart immediately. Despite the heavy seas, TCGA personnel maintained close monitoring and expulsion operations. The CCG vessels ultimately turned away and exited Taiwan’s Restricted Area at 16:52.
The Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch stated that Mainland China Coast Guard vessels deliberately conducted formation intrusions despite extremely poor sea conditions. Such actions are unprofessional and irrational, disregard navigational safety, and pose serious risks to passing vessels. TCGA reiterated that safeguarding Taiwan’s Prohibited and Restricted Waters and defending national sovereignty are the Coast Guard’s core responsibilities and mission.
Regardless of weather conditions or changes in the maritime situation, TCGA will continue to maintain round-the-clock high-intensity surveillance, response, and deployment capabilities. Whenever harassment activities by the Mainland China Coast Guard are detected, TCGA will immediately move forward to conduct monitoring and expulsion operations, firmly upholding its law-enforcement stance to safeguard national sovereignty and ensure national security.
- Source: 海巡署
- Date: 2026/03/18
