China Claims Ecological Survey in Waters East of Taiwan; Ocean Affairs Council Denounces Cognitive Warfare

Taipei (CNA) — Following a series of incursions by Chinese vessels into waters east of Taiwan, Chinese state media claimed today that the Ministry of Natural Resources had conducted a marine environment survey in the region to update data on rare and endangered species. Taiwan’s Ocean Affairs Council (OAC) issued a statement characterizing these actions as a blatant attempt to create a false impression of jurisdiction through the use of government, research, and coast guard vessels. The OAC labeled these activities as acts of expansionism that threaten the status quo and will not gain international recognition.

In response to the claims by Chinese state media, the OAC clarified its stance:

1. The Coast Guard Administration has closely monitored the research vessel "Xiang Yang Hong 22." The vessel has repeatedly navigated and harassed waters within Taiwan's exclusive economic zone under the pretext of scientific research. On June 18, the vessel was located 41 nautical miles east of Hualien (14 nautical miles outside the restricted zone), where the Coast Guard vessel "Lanyu" monitored its movements and issued warnings to leave.

2. China possesses no sovereign or jurisdictional rights over the waters east of Taiwan. Its unilateral actions cannot establish legal claims and constitute a form of cognitive warfare.

3. China’s attempt to project authority through the use of various vessels is a clear act of expansionism and a disruption of the status quo, which will be rejected by the international community.

Following a joint statement by Japan and the Philippines in May regarding boundary negotiations, China has repeatedly conducted operations in the region, including "maritime traffic law enforcement" and the recent environment survey from June 16 to 18.