Taiwan’s Coast Guard announced on January 28, 2025, that it had identified 52 Chinese ships operating near its waters. The vessels were flagged as suspicious for engaging in activities that violate Taiwan’s territorial waters and international regulations. The Coast Guard’s discovery has raised concerns about China’s increasing regional maritime presence.
According to Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense, the Chinese ships were involved in illegal fishing, military exercises, and other activities within Taiwan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ). “These actions are a direct violation of international maritime laws,” said Rear Admiral Chang Wei-Chung, Taiwan’s Coast Guard spokesperson. He emphasized that Taiwan would monitor the situation closely and respond if necessary.
The Coast Guard has been on high alert due to rising tensions between Taiwan and China, with Beijing increasing its military and maritime activities around the island. The Chinese government has repeatedly expressed its intention to reclaim Taiwan despite Taiwan’s sovereignty and independence. “We are committed to protecting our waters and ensuring national security,” Rear Admiral Chang added.
The identification of these vessels follows a pattern of increased Chinese presence in Taiwan’s waters over the past few years. In response, Taiwan has ramped up its maritime patrols and surveillance to safeguard its resources and territory. The government has called for international support from China’s growing regional influence.
Fishing in Taiwan’s EEZ has been a long-standing issue due to Chinese vessels entering these waters illegally. Taiwanese officials report that Chinese fishing ships have been depleting local fish stocks, damaging the environment, and violating national regulations. “These illegal activities harm both the environment and our economy,” said Tsai Hsin-chi, an environmental expert based in Taipei.
While Taiwan has expressed concern about China’s growing maritime operations, the Chinese government denies any wrongdoing, claiming its ships are operating within their rights. “China has sovereignty over its waters and will continue to assert its presence,” said a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This ongoing tension has further strained relations between the two countries.
The United States, a key ally of Taiwan, has voiced its support for Taiwan’s right to defend its territorial waters. “We stand by Taiwan’s efforts to maintain its sovereignty and protect its maritime interests,” said U.S. State Department spokesperson Mark Thompson. The U.S. has also conducted freedom of navigation operations in the region to challenge Chinese claims in disputed waters.
As tensions continue rising, Taiwan calls for international cooperation to address Chinese actions in the region. The government advocates for more vigorous enforcement of maritime laws and more outstanding international pressure on China to respect Taiwan’s territorial rights. “We must protect our resources and security from foreign interference,” Rear Admiral Chang stated.
The situation remains tense, with both Taiwan and China preparing for possible escalation in the waters surrounding the island. Taiwan’s Coast Guard continues to monitor Chinese vessels and will take necessary actions to safeguard its maritime sovereignty.
