World · East Asia & Pacific · 2 hrs ago
China conducts coast guard patrols east of Taiwan
China's coast guard patrolled waters east of Taiwan on Saturday, calling the activity routine law enforcement.
The patrol was described by a Chinese coast guard spokesperson as part of efforts to protect people and maintain safe navigation and operations.
China says it has jurisdiction over these waters and does not recognise Taiwan's sovereignty claims.
Taiwan rejects Beijing's claim that the island belongs to China.
Patrol activity east of Taiwan has increased since June, according to the report.
Taiwanese officials say they believe China is practising for a possible maritime blockade using military, paramilitary and civilian assets.
China says it will continue the patrols, but no further action was specified.
China’s coast guard conducted patrols in waters east of Taiwan on October 31, according to state broadcaster CCTV.
China described the patrols as routine law enforcement and said they were intended to protect the rights and safety of Chinese people, including Taiwan residents.
A coast guard spokesperson said patrols in waters under China’s jurisdiction would continue.
China has increased activity in the waters east of Taiwan since June, according to the Straits Times report.
Taiwan officials say they believe China is practising for a possible maritime blockade.
- Who
- China’s coast guard, including the Tiger-Lion fleet formation, conducted the patrols.
- What
- It carried out what China described as routine law enforcement patrols.
- When
- October 31, 2026.
- Where
- Waters east of Taiwan.
- Why
- China said the patrols protect lawful rights and safety and maintain order in navigation and operations.
China
Taiwan officials
Sovereignty
China
China views Taiwan and the surrounding seas as its territory and rejects Taiwan’s sovereignty claims.
Taiwan officials
Taiwan rejects Beijing’s sovereignty claims.
Purpose of patrols
China
China said the patrols protect rights and safety and maintain order in navigation and operations.
Taiwan officials
Taiwan officials believe China is practising for a potential maritime blockade.
China has increased activity in the waters east of Taiwan, according to the Straits Times report.
China’s coast guard said it had continued to strengthen control over the relevant waters.
The coast guard conducted patrols east of Taiwan.
- Patrol date
- October 31, 2026
- Patrol location
- Waters east of Taiwan
- Patrol description
- Routine law enforcement patrols, according to China
- Fleet formation
- Tiger-Lion
- Spokesperson
- Jiang Lue
4 sources
What people are saying
The coast guard will continue to step up law enforcement patrols in waters under its jurisdiction
China Coast Guard will continue to strengthen law enforcement patrols in the relevant waters under its jurisdiction and resolutely safeguard national territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.