Taiwan Coast Guard Expels Chinese Research Vessel Near Southern Waters

Taiwan's coast guard intercepted and expelled a Chinese research vessel, the Tongji, after detecting it conducting suspected illegal survey operations near Taiwanese waters. The ship was spotted on Thursday, approximately 29 nautical miles southeast of Taiwan's southern tip, lowering ropes believed to be deploying scientific instruments into the water.

A Taiwanese coast guard vessel moved in close, using wake interference to disrupt the operation while broadcasting demands for the ship to leave. The Tongji retrieved its instruments and altered course away from Taiwan's waters. The coast guard continued shadowing the vessel until Monday, when it moved further out.

Taipei characterized the incident as part of a broader pattern of Chinese "grey zone" harassment, in which ostensibly civilian ships are used to pressure and exhaust Taiwanese forces. The Tongji, commissioned last year, is described by Chinese state media as capable of marine geology, oceanography, and offshore engineering operations. China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to a request for comment on the incident.