Taiwan Expels Chinese Ships Amid Rising Tensions Over Military Drills

Taiwan expelled four Chinese coast guard vessels that encroached on its restricted waters near the Matsu Islands. The intrusion follows China's Joint Sword-2024B drills announcement. In response, Taiwan deployed patrol boats to monitor the situation, amid increasing Chinese military presence and ongoing disputes over Taiwan's sovereignty.

Taiwan expelled four Chinese coast guard ships that encroached on its restricted waters near the Matsu Islands, shortly after the People's Liberation Army announced the commencement of its Joint Sword-2024B drills around Taiwan. According to Taiwan's Central News Agency, the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) identified two China Coast Guard ships near Nangan Island and two more near Dongyin Island on Monday morning.

The CGA's Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch dispatched four patrol boats to monitor the situation following the intrusion. This incident brings the total number of Chinese incursions into Taiwan-controlled waters to 44 this year. In response to abnormal activities that began around 11 am, the CGA has established a task force and deployed patrol vessels to assist in monitoring along with the Ministry of National Defence.

Additionally, CGA and Army personnel on Menghu Islet detected a suspicious target early Monday, resulting in the interception of an inflatable boat carrying a Chinese citizen, who is now under investigation. The China-Taiwan tensions revolve around Taiwan's political status, with China asserting it as a breakaway province while Taiwan maintains its status as a self-governing democracy. These maritime disputes reflect broader geopolitical tensions surrounding China's territorial claims in the region, notably over the South China Sea.

(With inputs from agencies.)