Chinese Government Vessels Enter Taiping Island's Restricted Waters, Green Party: 'Only Fuels Taiwanese Resentment'
Two Chinese government vessels entered the restricted waters around Taiping Island for the first time, prompting strong condemnation from Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration. Tsai Chi-chang, DPP caucus convener, stated that such actions only deepen Taiwanese resentment and push cross-strait relations further apart.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: June 12, 2026 at 13:15
- 🔍 Collected: June 12, 2026 at 13:29 (14 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: June 13, 2026 at 08:38 (19h 9m after Collected)
Central News Agency
(Taipei, December 12 — Reporter Wang Yang-yu) Two Chinese government vessels entered the restricted waters around Taiping Island for the first time, sparking widespread discussion. Tsai Chi-chang, convener of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus in the Legislative Yuan, stated in a media interview today that such actions only intensify resentment among the Taiwanese people and further distance cross-strait relations.
The Ocean Affairs Council's Coast Guard Administration issued a press release on the 11th, strongly condemning the incident. It described the intrusion as an escalation of gray-zone coercion, aimed at creating a false impression of jurisdictional control, violating international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and challenging the international order.
Regarding the issue, Tsai Chi-chang stated during a press briefing at the Legislative Yuan that China's actions only deepen public resentment in Taiwan. He emphasized that China's infringement on the sovereignty of the Republic of China (ROC) pushes cross-strait relations further apart and intensifies dissatisfaction and hostility among the Taiwanese people toward China.
Tsai pointed out that such actions by China contribute nothing to peaceful and stable cross-strait development or peace in the Taiwan Strait. He reiterated Taiwan's repeated calls for China to exercise restraint, affirming that the existence of the ROC is a fact, and stressed that every citizen should safeguard the security and interests of the ROC.
When asked about U.S. national security officials urging Taiwan to raise its defense budget to 10% of GDP, and KMT Chairperson Eric Chu's comment that such a move lacks public support in Taiwan, Tsai responded that defense spending should be determined based on Taiwan's actual needs and consultations with U.S. officials. He noted that the agreed amount for the last round of arms purchases was NT$1.25 trillion, but the KMT opposed it. The key issue, he argued, is not the percentage of GDP, but meeting Taiwan's real defense requirements—something the KMT refuses to support. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150612
(Taipei, December 12 — Reporter Wang Yang-yu) Two Chinese government vessels entered the restricted waters around Taiping Island for the first time, sparking widespread discussion. Tsai Chi-chang, convener of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus in the Legislative Yuan, stated in a media interview today that such actions only intensify resentment among the Taiwanese people and further distance cross-strait relations.
The Ocean Affairs Council's Coast Guard Administration issued a press release on the 11th, strongly condemning the incident. It described the intrusion as an escalation of gray-zone coercion, aimed at creating a false impression of jurisdictional control, violating international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and challenging the international order.
Regarding the issue, Tsai Chi-chang stated during a press briefing at the Legislative Yuan that China's actions only deepen public resentment in Taiwan. He emphasized that China's infringement on the sovereignty of the Republic of China (ROC) pushes cross-strait relations further apart and intensifies dissatisfaction and hostility among the Taiwanese people toward China.
Tsai pointed out that such actions by China contribute nothing to peaceful and stable cross-strait development or peace in the Taiwan Strait. He reiterated Taiwan's repeated calls for China to exercise restraint, affirming that the existence of the ROC is a fact, and stressed that every citizen should safeguard the security and interests of the ROC.
When asked about U.S. national security officials urging Taiwan to raise its defense budget to 10% of GDP, and KMT Chairperson Eric Chu's comment that such a move lacks public support in Taiwan, Tsai responded that defense spending should be determined based on Taiwan's actual needs and consultations with U.S. officials. He noted that the agreed amount for the last round of arms purchases was NT$1.25 trillion, but the KMT opposed it. The key issue, he argued, is not the percentage of GDP, but meeting Taiwan's real defense requirements—something the KMT refuses to support. (Editor: Su Chih-tsung) 1150612
FAQ
Is this the first time Chinese government vessels entered Taiping Island's waters?
Yes, this marks the first known intrusion into restricted waters. Taiwan's Coast Guard called it an escalation of gray-zone tactics.
What is the strategic importance of Taiping Island?
Located in the Spratly Islands, Taiping is controlled by Taiwan and is key to maritime claims under UNCLOS, especially regarding 'island' vs 'rock' status.
What is Taiwan's DPP party's stance toward China's actions?
The DPP emphasizes sovereignty, condemns China's moves, and advocates for stronger defense amid worsening cross-strait relations.
What does the U.S. recommend regarding Taiwan's defense budget?
U.S. officials suggest raising defense spending to 10% of GDP, though it lacks domestic political support in Taiwan.
How did Taiwan's Coast Guard respond to the intrusion?
The Ocean Affairs Council issued a strong statement, condemning the act as a violation of international law and a challenge to global order.