Taiwan expelled three Chinese Coast Guard vessels from waters near the contested Pratas Island in the South China Sea. The incidents occurred on September 30 and October 3, 2023, as tensions between Taiwan and China escalated over disputed maritime zones.
The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration reported that on September 30, two Chinese vessels entered restricted waters near Pratas Island at 8:22 AM. Taiwanese cutter Tainan issued warnings, and the ships left by 6 PM. On October 3, another Chinese vessel violated the zone, prompting cutter Taipei to escort it out, with the ship departing around 12:02 AM.
Pratas Island, known as Dongsha Island to both sides, is managed by Taiwan as a marine national park and hosts a small garrison. China claims the territory and has previously threatened forceful action. Since January, Taiwan’s Coast Guard has expelled 159 Chinese fishing boats and seized 12 smaller vessels near Dongsha.
A Coast Guard statement emphasized: “The Coast Guard Administration will continue to dispatch vessels to patrol and defend the Dongsha area, firmly safeguarding our national sovereignty.” China has not commented on the latest incidents, which highlight ongoing clashes over territorial claims in the region.
