Taiwan’s Defense Minister, Wellington Koo, has labeled recent Chinese Coast Guard patrols to the east of Taiwan as a ‘provocative act.’ The patrols have prompted Taiwan to enhance coordination between its military and Coast Guard to safeguard its national sovereignty.

Chinese Patrols and Regional Tensions

China’s actions follow announcements by Japan and the Philippines regarding talks on delimiting their maritime boundaries, which China views as involving waters off Taiwan. In response, Chinese state media reported that ships were dispatched for a ‘special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation’ in the region.

Taiwan’s Coast Guard responded by sending its own ships to warn the Chinese vessels, successfully expelling them from restricted waters, according to Taiwanese officials.

Defense Minister’s Response

In a parliamentary session, Minister Koo described the Chinese patrols as both a provocative act and a form of cognitive warfare, aimed at asserting control over the eastern waters of Taiwan. He emphasized the importance of intelligence sharing and a detailed division of responsibilities between Taiwan’s military and Coast Guard to maintain maritime security.

Kuan Bi-ling, head of Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council, highlighted China’s month-long campaign of ‘escalating provocations,’ which includes operations around the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands and the deployment of a research ship near Taiwan.

Ongoing Maritime Challenges

Chinese military presence around Taiwan is a regular occurrence, with warplanes and warships operating near the island almost daily. Taiwan is also monitoring the extended mission of the Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning in the Western Pacific, currently located east of the Philippines.

China has not ruled out the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, a claim Taiwan’s government firmly rejects, maintaining its stance on sovereignty and independence.

Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.