Taiwan says it drove away 16 Chinese ships in 'maritime harassment'

· Security · Taiwan · China

Taiwan said it drove away 16 Chinese ships involved in what Taipei called "maritime harassment," with the vessels located off Taiwan's eastern, southern and south-western coastlines and around Pratas, Al Jazeera reported. Taipei described the pattern as designed to "alter the status quo" and characterised it as "hybrid warfare." China has been ramping up its presence around Taiwan, and the incidents add to a steady rise in grey-zone pressure that stops short of open conflict. Taiwan's coast guard and military routinely monitor and respond to such incursions.

Why it matters：Sustained Chinese pressure around Taiwan raises the risk of miscalculation and is a key flashpoint in US-China strategic rivalry.

Key points

  • Sixteen Chinese ships were reported off Taiwan's coasts and around Pratas.
  • Taipei called the pattern an effort to 'alter the status quo'.
  • Taiwan framed the incidents as 'hybrid warfare'.

Sources (original reporting)

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