TAIWAN-PHILIPPINES-CRIME-DIPLOMACY-MILITARY
China stated that its coast guard patrols in the waters surrounding the Dongsha Islands are to maintain navigational order; Taiwan, however, is concerned that such actions could expand Beijing's jurisdictional claims over the surrounding waters. The image shown is of a Taiwanese coast guard vessel and is not from the actual patrol.

The Chinese government said on Oct. 21 that the China Coast Guard was conducting patrols in waters around the Taiwan-controlled Dongsha Islands to maintain navigation and operational order. Taiwan, however, fears Beijing is using coast guard enforcement activities to gradually reinforce its jurisdictional claims over waters around Taiwan and its outlying islands, raising regional security risks.

According to a Reuters report published on Oct. 21, China's Taiwan Affairs Office said China has sovereignty over the islands and adjacent waters in the South China Sea and that China Coast Guard patrols were part of its lawful duties. Beijing also criticized the position of Taiwan's ruling party, saying its political stance was the root cause of cross-strait tensions.

Taiwan rejects China's sovereignty claims over Taiwan and its outlying islands. Taiwan previously reported two incidents since Sunday in which Chinese coast guard vessels approached the Dongsha Islands, describing the actions as provocative. China had also warned that Taiwan would face consequences after the Taiwan Coast Guard used water cannon to drive away a Chinese fishing boat, deepening the dispute over maritime enforcement activities between the two sides.

The Dongsha Islands lie south of Taiwan and in the vicinity south of Hong Kong, more than 400 kilometers from Taiwan's main island. They have no permanent civilian population. Because of their remote location, security experts say Dongsha is vulnerable to maritime pressure or sudden incidents. The surrounding waters are also linked to navigation in the South China Sea, maritime enforcement and regional security.

Chiu Chui-cheng, head of Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council, said Beijing may be seeking to create the impression through coast guard patrols and enforcement activities that it exercises actual jurisdiction over waters around Taiwan. He also warned that China's strategy toward Taiwan could be moving toward asserting jurisdiction first and then advancing political objectives. This is the assessment of a Taiwan official regarding Beijing's intentions; China maintains that its patrols are lawful.

Analysts said coast guard activities differ in nature from military operations, but the continued entry of enforcement vessels into disputed waters could still increase the risk of miscalculation and friction. Developments to watch include coast guard deployments on both sides, official representations and whether further maritime incidents occur around Dongsha.