TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Coast Guard Administration Friday said nine Chinese coast guard vessels had been detected near Taiwan. 

Amid large-scale PLA military exercises along the first island chain, the CGA said Chinese coast guard vessels were engaging in gray zone harassment. At 2:40 a.m., nine Chinese coast guard vessels in waters southwest and southeast of Taiwan entered waters east of the country and headed north in two groups, per a CGA press release.

The CGA deployed patrol ships to monitor each of the Chinese vessels. The CGA said none of the Chinese ships entered Taiwan’s restricted or prohibited waters and moved to an area 79 km (43 NM) northeast of Pengjia Islet.

A photo released by the CGA showed the Anping-class offshore patrol vessel Jian (CG 607) and Chinese coast guard cutter Haijing 1302 coming into proximity. Another photo shows a sailor on the Miaoli-class patrol vessel Taitung (CG133) monitoring Chinese coast guard cutters Haijing 2202, 2303, 2304, and 2307. 

The CGA emphasized that it will maintain a firm stance on law enforcement, adhere to principles of non-provocation, and avoid escalation. The agency said it is committed to safeguarding Taiwan's maritime areas, defending national sovereignty, and ensuring Taiwan’s maritime rights and interests.