Taiwan Coast Guard Expels Chinese Ships from Restricted Waters Amid Rising Tensions
Taiwan's coast guard announced that it had expelled four Chinese government ships from restricted waters off the island's southern coast. This incident occurred after both sides exchanged warnings, escalating tensions in the region. The Chinese ships, including three coast guard vessels, entered the restricted area 30 nautical miles southwest of Taiwan's southern tip. In response, Taiwan dispatched seven coast guard vessels to confront the Chinese ships, ultimately forcing them to leave the area. The Chinese state media had earlier reported that the ships were conducting a 'special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation' in response to recent announcements by Japan and the Philippines regarding maritime boundary talks, which China views as involving waters off Taiwan. Taiwan's coast guard released a recording of the exchange, where a Chinese officer claimed jurisdiction over the waters, while a Taiwanese officer refuted this, warning of potential global sanctions if conflict arose. 
