Story perspectives

Chinese Coast Guard Intrudes Near Pratas, Taiwan Responds

6/7/2026

Center

Taiwan Coast Guard Confronts China

Analysts say the standoff reflects a growing pattern of Chinese gray-zone actions around Taiwan’s outlying islands.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard patrol boat Xunhu No. 9 and China’s Coast Guard ship hull 3501 faced off near the Pratas Islands.
At 7:32 a.m., the Chinese ship entered waters four miles outside Taiwan’s claimed zone, ignoring warnings.
Taiwan’s Xunhu No. 9 ordered the vessel to leave, saying the coast guard would take measures.

Left

Taiwan Coastguard Confronts

Taiwan Coast Guard Administration said the Chinese coast guard and survey vessel operation fabricated a claim over the Pratas Islands.
A Chinese coast guard ship and vessel entered waters near Taiwan’s Pratas Islands and left after Taiwan deployed patrol vessels.
National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu condemned China as a sick bully causing regional trouble.
Taiwan’s coast guard said the vessel entered without authorization and exposed Beijing’s deceptive jurisdiction claim.

History

Historical Context

During the 1995–1996 Taiwan Strait Crisis, the People's Republic of China launched missile drills near the Kinmen and Matsu islands, prompting international alarm. Beijing sent 33 warships and 10 aircraft, and the United States Navy, under Secretary of Defense William Perry, dispatched two carrier groups, incurring about $2.5 billion in costs. The 1995 standoff mirrors today's gray-zone incursions near the Pratas Islands, where Taiwan’s Coast Guard vessel Xunhu No. 9 confronted China’s hull 3501. That earlier crisis showed how maritime pressure can force diplomatic negotiations, suggesting repeated island confrontations may eventually draw renewed U.S. security commitments.

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Taiwan Coast Guard Confronts China

Analysts say the standoff reflects a growing pattern of Chinese gray-zone actions around Taiwan’s outlying islands.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard patrol boat Xunhu No. 9 and China’s Coast Guard ship hull 3501 faced off near the Pratas Islands.
At 7:32 a.m., the Chinese ship entered waters four miles outside Taiwan’s claimed zone, ignoring warnings.
Taiwan’s Xunhu No. 9 ordered the vessel to leave, saying the coast guard would take measures.

1 / 3