In the waters surrounding Taiwan in July, the Republic of China Coast Guard Administration detected a record-breaking number of 244 Chinese Communist ships. Experts from the United States analyzed the situation and pointed out that China is increasing the presence of its coast guard and research vessels in the waters east of Taiwan. This move indicates Beijing’s efforts to collect practical combat data and adapt to carrying out missions further away from its mainland coastline.
Amid escalating pressure on Taiwan from Beijing, a report from Agence France-Presse last week cited data provided by the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration, revealing a significant surge in the number of Chinese Communist ships detected in the waters around Taiwan in July, reaching a record high of 244 vessels. About 60% of these ships were identified as Chinese coast guard vessels, with the rest being research ships and other government vessels.
Craig Singleton, the Senior Director of China Studies at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a think tank in Washington, recently explained to reporters that China is deploying more coast guard and research vessels to the waters east of Taiwan. These waters are crucial in times of conflict, especially in submarine operations and actions involving the U.S. military and its allies’ approaches to Taiwan.
Singleton, a geopolitical and East Asia expert who previously served as a U.S. diplomat, emphasized that Taiwan cannot compete with China in terms of the sheer number of ships at sea. He suggested that Taiwan’s priority should be to continue monitoring, utilize unmanned systems more effectively, and possess the capability to quickly identify and publicly disclose the movements of Chinese Communist ships.
Regarding the United States, Singleton pointed out that Washington could enhance maritime intelligence-sharing and engage in more extensive coordination with Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines in the waters east and south of Taiwan to provide assistance.
Since June, Chinese coast guard vessels have increased “law enforcement” patrols in the waters off eastern Taiwan. Beijing’s recent actions include the initiation of “regular law enforcement patrols” by a flotilla of Chinese coast guard ships in the region. Additionally, China’s Ministry of Natural Resources announced via a WeChat public account that from August 10 to 31, the Second Institute of Oceanology, Ministry of Natural Resources conducted a marine geophysical survey in the waters east of Taiwan.
The Republic of China Coast Guard Administration reiterated that Taiwan holds sovereignty and jurisdiction rights over its exclusive economic zone in the east. China has no jurisdictional rights over any waters near Taiwan.