Chinese Ship Enters 'Prohibited' Waters Near Taiwan's Kinmen Islands
Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council has revealed that a Chinese government vessel breached Taiwan's territorial waters by sailing into the "prohibited" waters surrounding the Kinmen Islands, situated close to the Chinese mainland.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday, saw a China marine surveillance vessel enter the restricted area, while four China coast guard ships ventured into "restricted" waters without authorization.While Chinese authorities had previously acknowledged the existence of these controlled areas, Taiwan considers any incursion into the "prohibited" zone a violation of its territorial sovereignty.
This latest breach comes after a recent escalation of tensions, with a Chinese fishing boat capsizing near the Kinmen Islands on February 14 during a confrontation with the Taiwanese coast guard, resulting in two fatalities.
China's reaction to the incident has been robust, with announcements of heightened patrols in the area. Last week, an official Chinese vessel was confirmed to have navigated into the "prohibited" waters, prompting concerns over Beijing's intentions.
Kuan Bi-ling, head of Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council, expressed apprehension, suggesting that the actions of Chinese authorities carry significant political implications and could be interpreted as a challenge to Taiwan's sovereignty.
The incursion near the Kinmen Islands draws parallels to China's regular entry into Japan's territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. While Japan asserts control over the Senkakus, both China and Taiwan lay claim to the islands, leading to ongoing tensions in the region.
As Taiwan and China navigate their complex relationship, the latest incident underscores the delicate balance of power and the potential for maritime disputes to escalate in the region.
