China warns Taiwan over water cannon incident at Pratas Islands

China has issued a stern warning to Taiwan following a water cannon incident involving Taiwan's Coast Guard near the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands earlier this month. Beijing stated that Taiwan must "bear the consequences" of its actions, signalling escalating friction between the two sides over maritime sovereignty.

According to reports, a Taiwan Coast Guard vessel deployed its water cannon against a boat operating in restricted waters near the Pratas Islands after the vessel repeatedly ignored warnings to leave the designated area. The incident represents the latest flashpoint in a series of maritime confrontations in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters.

The Pratas Islands, located roughly midway between Taiwan and southern China, remain a point of contention between Beijing and Taipei. China views the islands as part of its territory, while Taiwan administers the atoll as part of Kinmen County.

Chinese officials have not detailed what specific consequences Taiwan might face, though the warning underscores growing military and diplomatic tensions across the strait. The incident comes amid broader concerns about maritime incidents in the region involving Coast Guard and military vessels from multiple countries.

Taiwan's government has not yet issued an official response to China's warning regarding the water cannon deployment.