Archive · 3 Sep 2026
China Reports Seabed Survey in Waters East of Taiwan
China said it studied the seabed in waters east of Taiwan last month.
The study took place from August 10 to 31.
China said it wanted to learn about the seabed’s geology and structure.
It also said the information could help with planning and managing resources.
Taiwan said a Chinese research ship entered sensitive waters near the island.
Taiwan’s coast guard warned the ship and followed it.
China also announced a patrol in the same general area.
China claims Taiwan and nearby waters, but Taiwan rejects that claim.
China’s Ministry of Natural Resources surveyed waters east of Taiwan from August 10 to 31.
CCTV said the survey examined seabed geology and structural characteristics in waters China considers under its jurisdiction.
The survey was intended to support a “one map” for territorial planning and resource management.
Taiwan’s coast guard said it warned and shadowed a Chinese research ship in sensitive waters on August 21.
China’s coast guard announced another routine law-enforcement patrol east of Taiwan, while Taipei rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
- Who
- China’s Ministry of Natural Resources, China’s coast guard, and Taiwan’s coast guard were involved or cited.
- What
- China conducted a seabed survey and announced a maritime patrol in waters east of Taiwan.
- When
- The survey took place from August 10 to 31; Taiwan reported the research ship incident on August 21, and China announced another patrol on September 3.
- Where
- In waters east of Taiwan and nearby sensitive maritime areas.
- Why
- China said the survey would support territorial planning and resource management by mapping seabed geology and structure.
China’s Position
Taiwan’s Position
Status of the waters
China’s Position
China said the survey occurred in sea areas under its jurisdiction and described its coast guard activity as routine law enforcement.
Taiwan’s Position
Taipei rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims over Taiwan and the waters around the island.
Meaning of the research ship’s presence
China’s Position
China described the activity as a survey intended to improve geological knowledge and territorial planning and resource management.
Taiwan’s Position
Taiwan’s coast guard viewed the ship’s presence in sensitive waters as part of ongoing maritime provocation and warned and shadowed it.
- Survey period
- August 10–31
- Survey area
- Waters east of Taiwan
- Stated purpose
- To study seabed geology and structural characteristics and support a “one map” for territorial planning and resource management
- Research ship incident
- Taiwan said it warned and shadowed a Chinese research ship on August 21
- Patrol
- China’s coast guard announced a routine law-enforcement patrol east of Taiwan on September 3
- Sovereignty dispute
- China claims Taiwan and rejects Taipei’s sovereignty claims; Taiwan rejects Beijing’s claims