February
1150206-China Coast Guard Harassment in Dongsha Waters , Feb 6, 2026
February 6, 2026-Mainland China Coast Guard Formation Intrudes into Dongsha Restricted Area; Taiwan Coast Guard Deploys Two Cutters in Advance and Firmly Intercepts and Expels
The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration (TCGA) Southeast Islands Branch detected at 03:28 on February 6 that Mainland China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels “3501” and “3107” were operating outside the Dongsha Restricted Area. Based on their course, TCGA assessed that the vessels might enter Taiwan’s Restricted Area. TCGA immediately deployed the cutters Yilan and Hualien, pre-positioning them in advance to conduct continuous monitoring and expulsion operations.
At 04:03, the two CCG vessels entered the Dongsha Restricted Area. TCGA cutters Yilan and Hualien immediately conducted one-on-one close-range monitoring, while issuing radio warnings in Mandarin and English, sternly informing the vessels that their actions had seriously disrupted maritime order and demanding that they alter course and depart immediately.
Under persistent interception and pressure from TCGA cutters, both vessels eventually departed the Dongsha Restricted Area at 12:10 on the same day.
TCGA stated that since the beginning of 2026, Mainland China Coast Guard vessels have been expelled from the Dongsha Restricted Area in three separate incursions involving two vessels. TCGA strongly condemns Mainland China Coast Guard vessels for their illegal actions that undermine the status quo and disrupt regional stability.
Such malicious intrusions have seriously threatened peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. TCGA will continue to work with international partners to build an “Indo-Pacific Peace Chain” to jointly counter gray zone threats.
TCGA emphasized that Taiwan possesses both the determination to defend national sovereignty and the capability to maintain regional peace. The Coast Guard will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and maritime security.
The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration (TCGA) Southeast Islands Branch detected at 03:28 on February 6 that Mainland China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels “3501” and “3107” were operating outside the Dongsha Restricted Area. Based on their course, TCGA assessed that the vessels might enter Taiwan’s Restricted Area. TCGA immediately deployed the cutters Yilan and Hualien, pre-positioning them in advance to conduct continuous monitoring and expulsion operations.
At 04:03, the two CCG vessels entered the Dongsha Restricted Area. TCGA cutters Yilan and Hualien immediately conducted one-on-one close-range monitoring, while issuing radio warnings in Mandarin and English, sternly informing the vessels that their actions had seriously disrupted maritime order and demanding that they alter course and depart immediately.
Under persistent interception and pressure from TCGA cutters, both vessels eventually departed the Dongsha Restricted Area at 12:10 on the same day.
TCGA stated that since the beginning of 2026, Mainland China Coast Guard vessels have been expelled from the Dongsha Restricted Area in three separate incursions involving two vessels. TCGA strongly condemns Mainland China Coast Guard vessels for their illegal actions that undermine the status quo and disrupt regional stability.
Such malicious intrusions have seriously threatened peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. TCGA will continue to work with international partners to build an “Indo-Pacific Peace Chain” to jointly counter gray zone threats.
TCGA emphasized that Taiwan possesses both the determination to defend national sovereignty and the capability to maintain regional peace. The Coast Guard will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard national sovereignty and maritime security.
- Source: 海巡署
- Date: 2026/03/18
