Taiwan Says It Expelled Four Chinese Ships From Restricted Waters

Taiwan’s coast guard said Sunday, June 7, 2026, that it expelled four Chinese government ships from restricted waters off Taiwan’s southern coast after the two sides exchanged warnings over radio. Taiwan said the ships entered waters about 30 nautical miles southwest of the island’s southern tip and left later that afternoon.

The incident followed China’s announcement of what it called a “special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation” in waters east of Taiwan. Chinese state media said the operation was launched in response to recent Japan-Philippines discussions on delimiting their maritime boundary, which China views as involving waters off Taiwan.

Taiwan sent seven coast guard vessels to respond to the four Chinese ships, which Taiwan said included three Chinese coast guard vessels. Taiwan’s coast guard said all four Chinese government ships were expelled from the restricted waters by late afternoon Sunday.

China considers democratically governed Taiwan its territory and has not renounced the use of force to bring the island under its control, a claim Taiwan’s government rejects.

Warnings exchanged at sea

Taiwan’s coast guard released an audio recording in which an unidentified Chinese officer told Taiwanese vessels the waters were under Chinese jurisdiction and warned them not to interfere with the mission. The officer said the Chinese formation was carrying out a “special traffic law-enforcement mission” in the waters of the Taiwan Strait.

In the recording, a Taiwanese coast guard officer replied that China does not enjoy any “sovereign rights” in the waters east of Taiwan. The Taiwanese officer also warned that if conflict occurred, China would face international sanctions and said maritime stability was needed for development.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not answer calls seeking comment outside of office hours, officials said.

Rising coast guard activity near outlying islands

Taiwan has reported a rise in Chinese coast guard activity over the past two weeks, including stand-offs around the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands at the top end of the South China Sea, according to Taiwan’s coast guard. Taiwan said the latest incident added to tensions in the area.

China’s military already operates around Taiwan on an almost daily basis, and Taiwan has repeatedly said China has no right to sail in its waters.

Officials and markets will be watching for further Chinese coast guard activity around Taiwan and for any additional statements from Beijing and Taipei following the exchange.