Taipei has stated that this marks the first instance of mainland Chinese government vessels entering waters close to Taiping
Taiwan has reported, for the first time, the presence of mainland Chinese law enforcement vessels near an island it administers in the South China Sea. Analysts suggest this development could lay the groundwork for Beijing’s effective control over these waters.
According to Taiwan, this is the initial occurrence of mainland Chinese government ships entering the restricted waters as defined by Taipei near Taiping—also referred to as Itu Aba. It added that both vessels were repelled by its coastguard at 8:43 a.m.
Experts noted that Beijing’s maneuvers around the islands represent an effort to assert sovereignty through tangible measures, potentially establishing a basis for future effective control.