Chinese Vessels Enter Restricted Waters Around Itu Aba Island

The Coast Guard Administration of Taiwan condemned the Government of China on Friday after two Chinese vessels entered restricted waters near Taiwan-controlled Itu Aba Island in the South China Sea. The patrol vessel Sansha Zhifa 301 and the supply ship Sansha 2 entered the zone at 8:28 a.m. and 8:31 a.m., respectively.

Taiwanese officials reported that the Chinese ships performed sudden, sharp turns that endangered Taiwanese personnel. The vessels exited the restricted zone, which extends between 4 km and 6 km from the coastline, by 8:43 a.m. This incident marks the first recorded instance of official Chinese vessels entering restricted waters around the island.

Beijing described the incursions as special maritime law enforcement operations. The Government of China stated these actions were a response to planned maritime boundary discussions between Japan and the Philippines, which China claims undermine its own territorial assertions in the region.