Taiwan Coast Guard forces two Chinese fishing vessels out of Pratas Island waters
The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration expelled two Chinese fishing boats that entered prohibited waters near the Pratas Islands, using water-cannon warnings before towing one vessel out.
On Thursday, Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration identified two Chinese fishing boats inside its prohibited waters near the Pratas Islands, about 15.5 nautical miles northeast of the main island. The patrol vessel Yunlin issued multiple warnings; the Yue Hui Dong Yu 75066 left voluntarily, but the Jin Sha refused to depart. After three failed attempts to persuade the Jin Sha, the coast guard employed a water-cannon for 30 seconds at a distance of roughly 200 meters, followed by a 90-second spray as the ship approached.
The crew requested hot meals, which were supplied, and the Yunlin subsequently towed the Jin Sha out of the restricted zone and transferred it to a Chinese work vessel. The CGA reiterated its policy of using low-lethality measures to safeguard Taiwan-controlled waters and called on China to curb illegal fishing in the area.
Why it matters
The episode highlights ongoing maritime disputes in the South China Sea and Taiwan's resolve to enforce its territorial claims.
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