Taiwan deploys ships to monitor Chinese vessel movements off its eastern coast

The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration announced the deployment of ships to monitor Chinese vessels, in response to China's Coast Guard declaring a new patrol to support "law enforcement" operations in waters off Taiwan's eastern coast.

In a statement, it accused China of "attempting expansion and asserting sovereignty (over Taiwanese waters) under the guise of law enforcement," noting that "the Coast Guard Administration will continue taking all necessary measures firmly to protect national sovereignty and ensure the security of Taiwanese waters."

It should be noted that in June, China launched its first "law enforcement" patrols in waters east of Taiwan. Since then, Beijing has intensified pressure on the island, with the number of Chinese vessels detected near Taiwan reaching a record high of 244 in July—equivalent to an average of eight ships per day—compared to 58 vessels in July of last year, according to official data.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and does not rule out using force to incorporate it. It also claims sovereignty over surrounding waters, a stance opposed by Taipei.