Taiwan’s Coast Guard confirmed on 23 October 2026 that China had deployed a militia fishing boat, off Taiwan‘s east coast on 16 August 2026, operating alongside a Chinese coast guard ship and a research vessel. The vessel came within about 2.7 nautical miles of Taiwan’s restricted waters. Taiwan’s coast guard dispatched a patrol boat to drive it away.
Taiwan’s coast guard described the vessels’ coordinated activity as part of a broader pattern of Chinese grey-zone operations combining law-enforcement, scientific, and civilian cover. The operations were aimed at assisting what it called China’s ‘battlefield preparation’ around Taiwan. China had increased such maritime activity around Taiwan since June 2026.
Taiwan’s east coast is an important maritime traffic and supply route. Taiwan officials have said they believe China is practising for a possible maritime blockade using overlapping military, paramilitary, and civilian assets.
Efforts Category: China’s Military Pressure vs Taiwan
