TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Chinese coast guard vessels intruded into waters near Taiwan’s outlying islands three times over the past few days, the Taiwan Coast Guard said Sunday.

Four China coast guard ships were spotted around Kinmen on June 19 and June 20, prompting Taiwan to dispatch patrol boats to escort them out of the area. The vessels were identified as Chinese coast guard ships No. 14606, No. 14609, No. 14521, and No. 14529, per CNA.

Another incursion occurred early Sunday morning northwest of Dongsha Island in the South China Sea. At around 6 a.m., Chinese coast guard ship No. 3302 entered restricted waters before being driven out by Taiwan Coast Guard Patrol Boat No. 7, with support from the Yunlin.

The Coast Guard said Chinese ships have approached Dongsha Island 11 times since January, entering restricted waters on six occasions. Additionally, authorities have turned away 31 Chinese fishing boats, detained seven small vessels, and recorded 111 unauthorized approaches near Dongsha Island this year.

The ships frequently shut off their automatic identification systems, which the Coast Guard said violates international law. Both the Coast Guard and the Ocean Affairs Council condemned the behavior of the Chinese vessels.

Taiwan has urged China to abide by international law and avoid infringing on Taiwan’s sovereignty. It also called on Beijing to better regulate its fishing vessels, many of which have violated China’s own moratorium on fishing in protected waters.

The Taiwan Coast Guard said it remains alert and prepared to respond to any illegal incursions by foreign vessels into Taiwanese waters.