Regarding claims by Chinese state media that the “Lanhai 201”, a scientific research vessel operated by the East China Sea Fisheries Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, conducted a fisheries resources survey in waters east of Taiwan from July 17 to 23, the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) strongly refutes such assertions. The CGA emphasizes that China has neither sovereignty nor jurisdiction over the waters east of Taiwan, and condemns China’s attempts to infringe upon the sovereignty of the Republic of China (Taiwan) through political manipulation and cognitive warfare.

1. The CGA has continuously monitored the movements of the Lanhai 201 through integrated intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. As of 1430 hours today (July 23), the vessel was located 53 nautical miles east-northeast of Lanyu (Orchid Island), Taiwan, proceeding on a 350-degree course at 13.5 knots while continuing northbound away from Taiwan. The CGA patrol vessel Lanyu remains on station and continues to monitor the vessel’s activities.
2. The CGA strongly condemns China’s deliberate political manipulation, including its use of the term “China’s Taiwan Island” and its unilateral claim of conducting a “fisheries resources survey.”Such assertions are a distortion of reality. Taiwan is a sovereign and independent state, and Taiwan and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to one another. China has no legal basis to claim sovereignty or jurisdiction over the waters east of Taiwan. Under the pretext of conducting fisheries resources research, China is in fact pursuing hegemonic expansion. The CGA calls on China to immediately cease actions that undermine peace across the Taiwan Strait and threaten regional stability. The CGA will continue to take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard Taiwan’s national sovereignty and ensure the security of its surrounding waters.