Taiwan Coast Guard Seizes Unmarked Vessel in Tense Maritime Standoff

Taiwan's Coast Guard intercepted an unidentified ship suspected of being Chinese in restricted waters off northwest Taiwan. Despite evading initial interception, the vessel, allegedly carrying 500,000 liters of fuel, was escorted back. Six crew members, identified as possible Chinese nationals, may face legal actions under Taiwan's Cross-Strait Act.

In a maritime confrontation highlighting regional tensions, Taiwan's Coast Guard has apprehended an unmarked vessel suspected of Chinese origin attempting unauthorized operations in restricted waters, as per Taiwan News. The incident unfolded at 8 am local time on Sunday, about 37 kilometers northwest of Yongan Fishing Port in Taoyuan's Xinwu District.

The patrol's intervention came after the ship, with no apparent registration, ignored commands to halt and maneuvered evasively. Upon interception, the vessel revealed around 500,000 liters of fuel on board, likely intended for clandestine operations with other Chinese vessels.

Under the Cross-Strait Act, Taiwan enforces strict measures against such incursions, including potential fines and deportation for the crew, who are detained pending identification. Heightened patrol initiatives aim to curb these maritime violations, with the public urged to report suspicious activities using the Coast Guard's hotline.

(With inputs from agencies.)