Taiwan Drives Chinese Coast Guard Out of Its Waters for Second Day

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Taiwan has once again driven Chinese Coast Guard ships out of the Taiwan Strait as of Saturday, marking the second day in a row of such incidents. This action was taken against four Chinese Coast Guard vessels that were near the Kinmen Islands. The Chinese vessels were requested via radio to immediately leave the waters managed by Taiwan, and they departed after approximately an hour. China has not yet responded to the incident.

Chinese Ships Enter Taiwanese Waters Amid Search for Fishermen

On Friday, Taiwanese Coast Guard vessels were sent out to sea at China’s request to assist in the search for several fishermen who had fallen overboard. Following this, Chinese vessels entered Taiwanese waters, officially as part of the search for the missing fishermen. China often asks Taiwan for help in searching for missing fishermen.

In a statement, the Taiwanese Coast Guard expressed confusion as to why China “repeatedly asks for help and then behaves aggressively.”

Tensions Between Taiwan and China

Tensions have been high between China and Taiwan for some time. China views Taiwan as a renegade province and claims the island as Chinese territory, while Taiwan insists on its independence. This past January, China-critical Lai Ching-te won the Taiwanese presidential elections. He frequently voices strong support for Taiwan’s independence.

These tensions are not only evident at sea but also in the air. Chinese aircraft often fly close to or even through Taiwanese airspace, leading Taiwan to fear that China is preparing for an invasion of the island. Taiwan is backed by the United States, much to China’s chagrin.