Taiwan Keeps Coast Guard Lead Near Dongsha as 39 Chinese Vessel Incursions Spur Navy Support
Updated
Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 2
Taiwan Keeps Coast Guard Lead Near Dongsha as 39 Chinese Vessel Incursions Spur Navy Support
3 articles · Updated · South China Morning Post · Jun 2
Summary
Taiwan said its coast guard will remain the front-line responder around the Dongsha Islands, with the navy providing unspecified support as Chinese activity increases near the remote South China Sea outpost.
39 appearances by mainland Chinese coastguard vessels have been recorded around the atoll since February 2025, versus only occasional transits in earlier years, sharpening concern in Taipei.
Defence Minister Wellington Koo said the military and coast guard will use joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to track developments around the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters.
The surge has raised fears that Beijing is using Dongsha—also known as the Pratas Islands—to probe Taiwan’s reactions and refine grey-zone pressure tactics short of open conflict.