Taiwan’s maritime authorities announced Monday they successfully intercepted and expelled a Chinese research vessel conducting what they described as unauthorized activities in waters near the island.
Officials reported spotting the Chinese ship “Tongji” last Thursday approximately 29 nautical miles southeast of Taiwan’s southern coastline, positioned just beyond restricted territorial boundaries. The vessel, which entered service only last year, was observed deploying ropes and equipment into the water in what appeared to be unauthorized scientific surveying operations.
Taiwan’s coast guard responded by dispatching their own vessel to the area. The Taiwanese ship approached the Chinese vessel and created disruptive wake patterns while broadcasting warnings to “forcefully expel the vessel, prohibiting it from conducting related activities.”
Following the intervention, the “Tongji” pulled up its research equipment and changed direction, leaving Taiwan’s maritime zone. Coast guard officials continued monitoring the Chinese ship until Monday when it moved away from the island’s vicinity.
“Chinese research vessels, in disregard of international law, have attempted to conduct illegal survey activities in our waters,” Taiwan’s coast guard stated, urging China to cease such operations.
According to Chinese state media reports, the “Tongji” is equipped with advanced capabilities including all-weather operational systems, remotely operated vehicles, onboard laboratories, and unmanned technology. The vessel can conduct various marine research including geology, oceanography, chemistry, and biology studies, as well as offshore engineering projects like pipeline installation.
This incident represents part of what Taiwan considers escalating provocative behavior from China, which claims the island as its territory. Beyond regular military operations in the region, Taiwan has accused China of deploying civilian vessels in a “grey zone” strategy designed to pressure Taiwanese forces and exhaust their resources through constant monitoring requirements.
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office has not yet provided a response regarding the incident.
