Jul 4, 2026, 1:06 p.mJul 4, 2026, 1:06 p.m
China continues its controversial coast guard patrols in the waters east of Taiwan. On Saturday, a task force led by the ship “Xiushan” replaced the previous formation that had been patrolling the sea area since June, as state broadcaster CCTV reported, citing a coast guard spokesman. The patrols would be continued and increased, it was said. They served, among other things, to protect fishing and regulate shipping.
Observers suspect that Beijing’s maneuvers are an attempt to legally claim and manage the waters. Taiwan’s coast guard said it had observed the action and said that China had contacted passing merchant ships.
Several Western countries had warned
Germany, France and Great Britain expressed concern about the activities at the end of June. “These actions threaten regional stability, freedom of navigation and the safety of international shipping,” said the missions of the three countries in Taiwan.
Beijing counts Taiwan as part of China’s territory. For years, the People’s Republic has been increasing the pressure on the independently governed island state, which is only separated from mainland China by a strait (Taiwan Strait) from its west coast with military exercises. Beijing had made it clear in the past that it wanted to bind Taiwan to itself – if necessary with the help of the military. (sda/dpa)