Taiwan Coastguard Repels 16 Chinese Vessels in 'Hybrid Warfare' Operation

Taiwan's coastguard has reported taking 'forceful action' to confront and drive away 16 Chinese coastguard, research, and fishing vessels. These vessels were allegedly engaged in simultaneous “maritime harassment” operations around Taiwan's main island and the disputed Pratas (Dongsha) island. The Taiwanese coastguard stated that an unusually large number of Chinese vessels participated in these coordinated operations. Among the Chinese vessels were four fishing boats, which the coastguard described as participating in “hybrid warfare” through their “simultaneous operations”.

In response, Taiwan's coastguard stated that its vessels took “forceful action immediately to effectively neutralise the threats”. The statement further accused Beijing of “attempting to unilaterally alter the status quo” in the Taiwan Strait and creating a “false impression of jurisdiction”. Reports indicate that some of the Chinese vessels entered Taiwan’s restricted waters.

This incident highlights Beijing's intensified maritime pressure on Taiwan in recent months. China claims Taiwan and Pratas as its territory and asserts jurisdiction over the surrounding waters, a claim rejected by Taipei. China has a long-standing threat to use force to regain control of Taiwan. An earlier incident on October 1 saw Taiwan's coastguard fire water cannon at a Chinese recreational fishing vessel near Pratas island.

Official Taiwanese data reveals a significant increase in Chinese maritime activity. In July, Beijing deployed a record 244 coastguard, scientific research, and other ships around Taiwan’s main island, a substantial rise from just 58 in the same month last year. For the first 21 days of August, 152 such vessels were detected, primarily from the Chinese Coastguard, but also including fishing and research vessels. Separately, China also deploys warships around Taiwan on a near-daily basis.