China Coast Guard Intensifies Patrols and Harassment Around Taiwan

The China Coast Guard deployed a vessel formation led by the Hushi to conduct law enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan, near Quemoy, and around Dongsha Island on October 31, 2026. Beijing described these operations as routine measures to reinforce administrative control and safeguard navigation. Spokesperson Jiang Lue stated that the Hushi task group has been strengthening control over these waters since October to ensure orderly activities.

The Taiwan Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Administration of Taiwan denounced the operations as violations of international law and attempts to exert fictional jurisdiction. Taipei reported that Chinese ships harassed shipping via radio communications and dispatched vessels, including the Ji An, to shadow the Hushi and Meishan. Taiwanese officials expressed concern that Beijing is utilizing a combination of military, paramilitary, and civilian assets to practice for a potential maritime blockade, noting that the east coast is critical for wartime supply routes from allies.

Simultaneously, a Chinese vessel entered restricted waters near the Pratas Islands in the South China Sea, leading to a standoff where ships came within one nautical mile of each other. This marked the 13th time Taiwan has expelled Chinese vessels from Pratas waters this year. Taiwan maintains that it holds exclusive sovereign rights over its eastern exclusive economic zone and has demanded that China cease these acts of harassment.