Taiwan repels 16 Chinese vessels in coordinated maritime operations

Taiwan's defence authorities reported coordinated responses to what officials described as deliberate maritime harassment by Chinese vessels operating in sensitive waters around the island. The 16 ships, comprising naval and coast guard units, were detected and subsequently driven away from positions spanning Taiwan's eastern coastline, southern approaches and south-western maritime zones, according to statements from Taipei's defence establishment. The operations extended to areas surrounding the Pratas Islands, a disputed territory in the South China Sea over which both Taiwan and China claim sovereignty. Taiwan's military said it deployed appropriate countermeasures to ensure the vessels departed the contested areas. The incident underscores persistent tensions in the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, where Chinese military activity has intensified significantly over the past year. Taiwan, which China views as a breakaway province, has repeatedly protested what it characterises as provocative Chinese operations designed to intimidate and challenge its territorial claims. Beijing has not yet commented on the reported dispersal of its vessels.