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Taiwan China coast guard ships in standoff near Pratas

6/5/2026

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Center

Taiwan Coast Guard Standoff

This is the second Taiwan-China coast guard standoff at the Pratas Islands within two weeks, signaling rising tension.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard vessel and a Chinese coast guard ship remain locked in standoff near the Pratas Islands on Friday.
The Chinese ship entered waters Taiwan restricts, accelerated and made a sharp turn despite warnings.
A Chinese drone surveyed the atoll, a Taiwanese park, in January, leaving guard presence.

Right

Taiwan Deploys Robots

Taiwan’s defence ministry showcased three robot patrol dogs it could station on the Pratas and Spratly islands.
A Chinese coast guard vessel entered Taiwan-controlled waters at the Pratas Islands, accelerated, turned, ignored warnings and remains in standoff.
Taiwan’s coast guard said the ship aimed to create a false impression of jurisdiction.
The National Chung-Shan Institute said marines need robot dogs, but no order placed.

History

Historical Context

Since the Chinese Civil War, the Taiwan Strait has endured four crises—in 1954-55, 1958, 1995-96, and the 2022-present drills—prompting Chinese pressure and U.S.-backed Taiwanese defense. In August 2022 China fired 11 missiles, twice the 1995-96 count, leading Taiwan to field robot patrol dogs for coastal surveillance near the Pratas Islands.

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Taiwan Coast Guard Standoff

This is the second Taiwan-China coast guard standoff at the Pratas Islands within two weeks, signaling rising tension.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard vessel and a Chinese coast guard ship remain locked in standoff near the Pratas Islands on Friday.
The Chinese ship entered waters Taiwan restricts, accelerated and made a sharp turn despite warnings.
A Chinese drone surveyed the atoll, a Taiwanese park, in January, leaving guard presence.

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