The Taiwan Coast Guard Administration reported a standoff between Chinese and Taiwanese coast guards near the Pratas Islands in the South China Sea. A Chinese vessel, identified by the hull number 3501, was spotted about four miles from the restricted zone claimed by Taiwan at 7:32 a.m. local time.

A Taiwanese patrol boat, Xunhu No. 9, responded and paralleled the Chinese ship, repeatedly issuing radio broadcasts demanding its exit. By 8 a.m., tensions had heightened. The Chinese vessel ignored the warnings, accelerating from 5 to 9 knots before swiftly entering the restricted waters. The two vessels maintained their positions in a standoff as of the latest report.

The Republic of China and the People’s Republic of China are not subordinate to each other. Only the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration has the authority to enforce the law in the waters around the Dongshas.

This statement from the Taiwanese agency underscores its stance, emphasizing its readiness to counter China’s actions. The People’s Republic of China is the official name of the Chinese government, while the Republic of China refers to Taiwan’s government, which relocated following the 1949 Chinese Civil War.

Both Taiwan and China claim the Pratas Islands, termed Dongsha Islands by both sides. Located roughly 250 miles southwest of Taiwan and 200 miles east of Hong Kong, these islands are administered by Taiwan with a small marine garrison stationed there.

China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not discarded the use of force for unification. Meanwhile, Taiwan operates as a de facto sovereign entity with its own government, military, and diplomatic relations.

Increased Chinese Maritime Activity

The encounter follows the presence of the state-owned oceanographic vessel Tongji Hao, operated by Shanghai’s Tongji University. The ship navigated near Taiwan’s southern Eluanbi Peninsula on May 7 and close to the eastern port of Hualien on May 15. Taiwan’s coast guard intercepted and received a defiant response from the vessel, stating, “There is no Republic of China, only the People’s Republic of China.”

Chinese fishing and research ships frequently enter areas Taiwan deems restricted, prompting expulsions by the Taiwanese coast guard. Although Chinese activity near these waters is less intensified compared to the Taiwan Strait’s Kinmen area, it has risen significantly, exceeding 30 incidents annually.

‘Gray Zone’ Tactics

The surge in activity around Pratas and military sorties across the Taiwan Strait’s median line are described by analysts as “gray-zone tactics”—coercive actions that do not elicit military retaliation. Bryce Barros, a defense analyst at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, views the standoff as part of a “string of Chinese gray-zone actions against Taiwan” following U.S. President Trump’s discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping in mid-May.

Beijing might view these incidents as chances to continue to salami-slice against Taiwan while testing resolve in Taipei, Washington, and allied capitals.

In reaction to the increased maritime activities by China around its islands, Taiwan is significantly boosting its coast guard’s capabilities. The Ocean Affairs Council, Taiwan’s primary maritime security body, has secured over $935 million in funds to purchase 40 new patrol vessels and enhance maritime surveillance systems, according to Nikkei.