China’s Coast Guard Intensifies Pressure Campaign Against Taiwan

Recently, Beijing escalated its pressure campaign against Taiwan by sending two ships to patrol the waters east of the island. This move underscores China’s claim not only over Taiwan but also the seas surrounding it. The operation aims to demonstrate a political point and challenge Taiwan’s control over these crucial waters.

On Saturday, the China Coast Guard announced its vessels would carry out ‘law-enforcement patrols’ in the Western Pacific waters east of Taiwan. Taiwan, with a population of 23 million, is a self-ruled island that China considers part of its territory.

The Western Pacific is dense with commercial traffic. It would play a critical role if China attempted a blockade or invasion of Taiwan. China’s coast guard boasts powerful, heavily armed ships which complement the country’s naval forces. These vessels are central to Beijing’s efforts to exert influence over the disputed South China Sea, utilizing tactics like swarming, ramming, and using water cannons on other vessels.

During these patrols, the coast guard vessels will focus on ‘strengthening law-enforcement patrols in waters under China’s jurisdiction and firmly safeguarding China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests,’ stated the China Coast Guard.

By Sunday, the two Chinese ships, named Xiushan and Chongming, were positioned between 80 and 140 miles off Taiwan’s east coast, as reported by Ou Yu-fei, an official with Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration.

Although Chinese coast guard ships have operated in this region before, especially during military exercises, the current patrols are more coordinated and intensive. Ray Powell, a former U.S. Air Force officer and director of SeaLight—a group monitoring Chinese maritime pressure activities—notes these latest operations include strong political declarations.