The Maritime Patrol Branch of the Ocean Affairs Council of the Republic of China (Taiwan) detected four Chinese Communist Party (CCP) coast guard ships approaching restricted waters in the south of Kinmen Island this morning around 7 a.m. The Maritime Patrol Branch dispatched four patrol boats to approach, gather evidence, and drive away the CCP coast guard ships.
At 7:50 a.m. this morning, four CCP coast guard ships numbered “14509,” “14608,” “14609,” and “14605” intruded into the restricted waters south of Zhaishan, Kinmen. They proceeded to navigate in formation with two pairs of ships.
The Maritime Patrol Branch of the Republic of China (Taiwan) immediately deployed its four patrol boats to confront the CCP coast guard ships, preventing them from entering further into the waters around Kinmen. Radio broadcasts in both Chinese and English were issued, sternly demanding that the CCP coast guard ships change course and depart, while simultaneously documenting the encounter as they escorted the ships out. Following two rounds of verbal and physical intervention, the CCP coast guard ships were finally driven out of the restricted waters of Kinmen by the maritime patrol at noon.
As the Lunar New Year approaches, the CCP coast guard ships continue to disturb the waters around Kinmen. This incident marks the 56th intrusion since last year. The Maritime Patrol Branch operates year-round without breaks, steadfastly defending the nation’s sovereignty, upholding law enforcement principles, ensuring national security, and ensuring the safety of the people as they celebrate the upcoming season.