Taiwan expels Chinese ships conducting surveillance off its coast

Taiwan detected two Chinese research vessels operating near its coast on September 30, 2025. The first ship, the Xiang Yang Hong 18, was located approximately 58 nautical miles northwest of Pengjia Islet. By midday, Taiwan's Coast Guard had dispatched patrol boats to shadow the ship, which eventually altered its course and left what Taiwan deems restricted waters by 3:45 p.m. The second vessel, the Dong Fang Hong 3, was spotted later in the day about 48 miles north-northwest of Fugui Cape. Taiwanese patrols followed this ship as well, ensuring it did not get closer to Taiwan's claimed territorial zone. This incident underscores Taiwan's insistence on protecting its exclusive economic zone from unauthorized Chinese operations. Furthermore, it highlights ongoing tensions between Taiwan and China, as the latter asserts its maritime activities despite objections from Taiwanese authorities, who view such surveillance as intrusions and violations of international maritime norms. The incident reflects a broader context of increasing Chinese coast guard presence near Taiwan, which has intensified since last year due to disputes in the Taiwan Strait and recently reported accidents involving fishermen.