4 Chinese Government Vessels Enter Restricted Waters, Taiwan Coast Guard Monitors and Expels All

(Central News Agency, reporter Huang Liyun, Taipei, June 7) The Coast Guard Administration (CGA) stated that four Chinese government vessels entered restricted waters this afternoon. Vessels including the "Kaohsiung" ship conducted parallel monitoring and sternly responded that "China does not enjoy any sovereign rights in the eastern waters of Taiwan," expelling all vessels by 5:30 PM. Five CGA patrol ships and two patrol boats continue to monitor.

The Ocean Affairs Council's CGA issued a press release in the evening stating that China's Ministry of Transport unilaterally announced a so-called "Maritime Traffic Special Law Enforcement Operation." Four government vessels, "Haixun 06," "Haixun 08," "Haixun 09," and "Donghaijiu 113," entered Taiwan's restricted waters at 2:05 PM, 30 nautical miles southwest of Eluanbi. CGA vessels including the "Kaohsiung" conducted one-on-one parallel monitoring and immediately issued broadcast warnings to expel them.

Simultaneously, at 5:30 PM, 33 nautical miles southeast of Eluanbi, all four Chinese government vessels were expelled beyond the restricted waters. Both sides' ships remain in a standoff.

The CGA stated that during the broadcast warnings, the Chinese vessel "Haixun 06" falsely claimed, "Both sides of the strait belong to one China. This is Chinese jurisdictional waters. Our maritime law enforcement formation is conducting a special traffic law enforcement mission in the Chinese strait waters. Do not interfere with our official duties."

The Kaohsiung ship immediately responded sternly, "China does not enjoy any sovereign rights in the eastern waters of Taiwan. Your unauthorized entry into our waters violates international law and affects our maritime order and security. Please immediately change course and leave our waters as soon as possible. Peace in the Taiwan Strait is crucial to the stability of the global economy and the lifeline of the technology industry. If conflict occurs, you will face world sanctions. Maritime stability is essential to ensure your national development. Please act cautiously for peace in the Taiwan Strait."

The CGA stated that it has deployed five patrol ships, including "Kaohsiung," "Tamsui," "Ji'an," "Changbin," and "Hualien," along with two 100-ton patrol boats, for deployment and monitoring along the line.

The CGA strongly condemned China for using the Japan-Philippines negotiations as a pretext to conceal its attempt to create a false impression of "jurisdiction." The CGA stated it will take all necessary measures to fully safeguard national sovereignty and maritime security. (Editor: Xiao Bowen) 1150607