Post by : Shakul

Taiwan said its coast guard forced a Chinese research vessel to leave waters near the island after it allegedly conducted illegal survey activities close to Taiwan’s southern coast. Officials described the incident as part of a growing pattern of maritime pressure from China, which Taiwan says is increasing operations around the island through military and civilian vessels.

According to Taiwan’s coast guard, the Chinese research ship named “Tongji” was detected last Thursday around 29 nautical miles southeast of Taiwan’s southern tip. Although the vessel was outside officially restricted waters, authorities claimed it was carrying out suspicious activities that raised security concerns. The coast guard reported that ropes and equipment were lowered into the sea, which officials suspected were scientific instruments being used for unauthorised marine survey operations.

Taiwanese authorities responded by dispatching one of their coast guard vessels to the area. Officials said the Taiwanese ship moved close to the Chinese vessel to create wave interference and repeatedly broadcast warning messages ordering the ship to stop its activities and leave the area. According to the coast guard statement, the Chinese vessel later retrieved its equipment and changed direction before moving away from waters near Taiwan.

Taiwan’s coast guard continued monitoring the ship until Monday to ensure it had completely departed from the surrounding maritime zone. Officials accused China of ignoring international maritime norms and conducting repeated unauthorised operations near Taiwan. The coast guard called on Beijing to stop what it described as illegal survey activities and provocative actions in nearby waters.

Chinese authorities did not immediately issue an official response to Taiwan’s claims. However, Chinese state media has previously described the “Tongji” as a modern research vessel equipped for all-weather operations. Reports say the ship is capable of carrying underwater vehicles, scientific laboratories and unmanned systems for oceanography, marine geology and engineering operations including underwater pipeline work.

Taiwan has increasingly complained about what it calls “grey zone” tactics by China. These actions include the use of civilian ships, research vessels and coast guard operations to pressure Taiwan without direct military confrontation. Taiwanese officials argue that such activities are designed to exhaust the island’s security resources and increase political pressure on Taipei while avoiding open conflict.

Tensions between China and Taiwan have remained high in recent years as Beijing continues to claim Taiwan as part of its territory. China regularly conducts military exercises and patrols near the island, while Taiwan strengthens its coastal security and defence cooperation with international partners. Analysts believe maritime incidents like this one highlight the growing strategic importance of regional waters and the continuing instability in cross-strait relations.

#world news #Asia News #GeoPolitics #Security