The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration of the Republic of China pointed out that since February, the Chinese Coast Guard has intruded into the waters near Kinmen Island for the 50th consecutive time, destabilizing the peace and stability of the region.
According to a press release from the Kinmen, Matsu, and Penghu Coast Guard Branch of the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration on the afternoon of December 30, at around 2 p.m., four Chinese Coast Guard vessels were detected appearing in the restricted waters south of Kinmen Island. The Coast Guard immediately deployed four patrol boats to closely monitor the situation along the boundary.
On December 30, the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration stated that at 2:50 p.m., four Chinese Coast Guard ships numbered 14603, 14604, 14607, and 14608 entered Taiwanese waters from four points south of Zhaishan and Luoro on Kinmen Island. The Coast Guard promptly dispatched four patrol boats to intercept and warn the intruding vessels, ultimately driving them out of the area after approximately 2 hours under close surveillance.
The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration mentioned on December 27 that a strong cold air mass affecting the region, including Kinmen and Matsu, had caused a sudden drop in temperatures and strong winds at sea. Despite adverse weather conditions, four Chinese Coast Guard vessels were observed around 2 p.m. intruding into Taiwanese waters from the south of Kinmen Island. The Kinmen Coast Guard immediately deployed four patrol boats to monitor the situation along the boundary.
The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration noted that on the afternoon of December 27, Chinese Coast Guard ships numbered 14604, 14603, 14608, and 14609 sailed into Taiwanese waters south of Zhaishan and Luoro in two pairs. The Coast Guard boats paralleled their movements, issued warnings in Chinese and English over radio, and maintained a firm stance while collecting evidence and eventually escorting the intruding vessels out of the area over a 2-hour period.
Since February, the Chinese Coast Guard has repeatedly intruded into Kinmen Island’s waters for the 50th time, despite reaching the end of 2024. The continuous harassment by the Chinese authorities through their coast guard vessels has disrupted regional peace and stability. The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration reiterated its commitment to upholding its enforcement position, defending national sovereignty, and ensuring the security of the country’s waters.
In addition, the Penghu Coast Guard Division of the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration stated that the Lianjiang Ship has completed several important missions within just 20 days since its first patrol on December 5. These missions included driving away 34 mainland fishing vessels using water cannons, sirens, and broadcasts, monitoring Chinese Coast Guard and government vessels on six occasions, and advising three foreign cargo ships to leave as part of the Clean Berth Project, demonstrating high efficiency and determination in enforcement.
On December 27, Penghu County Councilor Xu Yueli publicly commended the Lianjiang Ship of the Penghu Coast Guard Division during a council session. Xu praised the ship for successfully driving away several mainland fishing vessels that had encroached beyond the permissible boundaries in the Southwest Sea of Qimei amidst adverse weather conditions, allowing local fishermen to work in peace. The dedication of the coast guard was deeply appreciated by the local fishermen and residents.
The Penghu Coast Guard Division expressed gratitude for the recognition and support from local councilors and the public, pledging to continue safeguarding maritime resources. The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration remains committed to fulfilling its promise of defending national sovereignty and maritime order through concrete actions to create a safer marine environment for the people. Fishermen are urged to contact the Coast Guard at 118 in case of emergencies or sightings of encroaching vessels during sea operations for immediate assistance in ensuring safe maritime activities.