CHINESE SHIP LEAVES AFTER STANDOFF NEAR TAIWAN-CONTROLLED ISLANDS

A Chinese coast guard ship left waters near Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands on Sunday after a tense standoff with Taiwan’s coast guard, according to Reuters. Taiwan said its coast guard issued radio warnings after the Chinese vessel approached the islands, which sit near the top of the South China Sea.

Taiwan’s coast guard said the Chinese vessel insisted by radio that it was conducting a routine mission. Taiwan said the exchange involved sovereignty claims and described the Chinese ship’s wording and prolonged presence as unusual.

The Pratas Islands, also known as Dongsha, are administered by Taiwan and lie more than 400 kilometres from Taiwan’s main island. Reuters reported last month that Taiwan planned to strengthen the islands’ defences as Chinese activity around them increased.

China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, a position rejected by Taipei. The Pratas Islands are viewed by some security experts as vulnerable because of their distance from Taiwan’s main island and their location between southern Taiwan and Hong Kong.

The incident follows other recent Chinese maritime activity near Taiwan-controlled waters. Reuters reported that Taiwan’s coast guard also drove away the Chinese research ship Tongji in May after accusing it of conducting illegal survey activity near Taiwan’s southern waters.

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