On 8 October 2026, Reuters reported that in mid-August 2026 a Chinese maritime militia vessel had been spotted for the first time off Taiwan‘s Pacific (eastern) coast, operating approximately 30 nautical miles off Hualien county alongside a Chinese coast guard cutter and a research vessel. Taiwan’s authorities identified the fishing boat as part of the PLA’s maritime militia fleet, operating in coordination with Chinese coast guard.
Since June 2026, China has also been conducting regular coast guard patrols off Taiwan’s east coast.
Efforts Category: China’s Military Pressure vs Taiwan
