TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Coast Guard Administration said seven Chinese coast guard ships have engaged in “abnormal" maneuvers around Taiwan.
In a press release, the CGA said that since 1 a.m. on Friday, it has detected “abnormal navigational activity” by Chinese coast guard ships and activated a response center, per CNA. Among them, Chinese coast guard patrol cutter Haijing 2901 circled the southern strait, while Haijing 1301 and 1302 navigated southward from waters northeast of Taiwan.
The three vessels loitered 92 to 111 km (50 to 60 nm) northeast of Green Island in east Taiwan.
In addition, four more Chinese coast guard cutters—Haijing 2203, 2302, 2304, and 2307—formed a group and sailed toward the waters to Taiwan's southwest. However, they did not enter Taiwan’s prohibited or restricted waters.
The CGA said it deployed patrol ships to respond to the Chinese coast guard ships and moved in parallel with the vessels to monitor their movements.
The CGA said these unilateral “gray zone intrusions” carried out by the Chinese coast guard in coordination with the PLA “undermine peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, disrupt cross-strait exchanges, and escalate tensions.” It added that it has been working with the defense ministry and other national security agencies to ensure full preparedness.