China Coast Guard and Research Vessels Conduct Coordinated Incursions into Taiwan’s Waters Across Multiple Areas, CGA Maintains Continuous Surveillance and Takes Firm Action to Safeguard National Sovereignty.

The Coast Guard Administration (CGA), Ocean Affairs Council stated on October 18 that China had deployed coast guard vessels, scientific research vessels, and fishing boat formations to conduct coordinated gray-zone incursions across multiple maritime areas, including waters east of Hualien, south of Pingtung, southwest of Kaohsiung, and surrounding Dongsha Atoll.

The CGA maintained continuous surveillance of maritime activities and immediately dispatched patrol vessels for forward deployment, conducting close monitoring and issuing firm warnings to drive away the intruding vessels. These measures effectively countered China’s attempts to expand its jurisdictional authority.

On October 18, various Chinese vessels engaged in harassment activities in waters surrounding Taiwan. CGA patrol vessels responded promptly and decisively to address the threats. Details of the incidents are as follows:

1.Waters East of Hualien
The Chinese scientific research vessel Tansuo-3 entered Taiwan’s restricted waters east of Hualien. A patrol boat from the Taitung Coast Guard Unit was immediately deployed forward and issued warnings ordering the vessel to leave the area.

2.Waters Southwest of Cape Eluanbi, Pingtung
The Chinese scientific research vessel Beidiao 996 entered Taiwan’s restricted waters in the early morning hours. A patrol boat from the Hengchun Coast Guard Unit issued 12 consecutive radio warnings, firmly compelling the vessel to change course and leave the restricted waters.

3.Waters Southwest of Kaohsiung Port
The Taiwan-registered fishing vessel Wann Fa Cherng No. 11 encountered interference with its fishing operations from the Chinese scientific research vessel Haiyang Dizhi 8 and a Chinese steel-hulled fishing boat. The CGA cutter Pingtung immediately arrived at the scene to protect the safety of Taiwanese fishermen.

4.Waters Surrounding Dongsha Atoll
Two China Coast Guard (CCG) vessels, numbered 3301 and 3303, navigated around Dongsha Atoll in opposing directions, displaying highly provocative behavior. The CGA cutters Cijin and Taichung conducted close-range parallel monitoring operations and issued firm warnings ordering the Chinese vessels to leave.

At approximately 12:00 p.m., the CGA successfully expelled both CCG vessels from Dongsha’s restricted waters. The vessels subsequently continued sailing away from the area.

The CGA emphasized that China had deployed an unusually large number of vessels, including 12 coast guard, scientific research, and other vessels, along with a formation of four fishing boats, to conduct coordinated maritime harassment operations across Taiwan’s eastern, southern, and southwestern waters, as well as the waters surrounding Dongsha Atoll.

These multi-pronged incursions and hybrid warfare tactics represent attempts to unilaterally alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait through “law enforcement in name, jurisdictional expansion in practice,” creating a false impression of jurisdictional authority. Such actions will only provoke resentment among the Taiwanese people. The CGA strongly condemns these activities in the strongest possible terms.

In response to China’s authoritarian expansion and continued aggressive incursions, the CGA will maintain high-intensity surveillance, reconnaissance, and operational deployments around the clock. The CGA remains firmly committed to defending national sovereignty, safeguarding Taiwan’s freedom and democratic system, and ensuring the safety of the lives and property of the Taiwanese people.