Taiwan warns off, shadows Chinese research ship sailing to its west
Taiwan said the Tongji was shadowed by a patrol boat after it entered sensitive waters for the third time since May, officials said.
- On Friday, the Taiwan Coast Guard Administration warned off and shadowed the Chinese research ship Tongji after it appeared in sensitive waters west of the island, marking its third sighting since May.
- Chinese state media reports the Tongji carries advanced research equipment, capabilities Taipei views as part of a 'grey zone' harassment campaign designed to challenge Taiwan's maritime jurisdiction.
- Positioned 46 kilometers northwest of Huayu late Thursday, the Tongji moved southeast at 18.5 km per hour before reappearing 28 nautical miles west-southwest of Liuqiu on Friday morning.
- Patrol vessel Lienchiang reached the scene late Thursday, broadcasting 'strong' warnings for the crew to leave restricted waters; the Coast Guard reported no scientific instruments were deployed.
- The Coast Guard vowed to proactively deploy ships to respond to Chinese vessels, 'firmly defending national sovereignty and ensuring the safety of our nation's waters' amid ongoing maritime pressure.
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Tensions Rise as Chinese Research Vessel Stalks Taiwan Waters
Taiwan's coast guard shadowed a Chinese research ship, the Tongji, in sensitive waters, highlighting ongoing maritime tensions. The vessel's appearance near Taiwan's Penghu islands marks its third sighting since May. Taiwan accuses China of 'grey zone' harassment, amid daily military activities around the island by Chinese forces.
Is China Testing Taiwan’s Defences With a Research Ship Near Its Waters?
Taiwan's coast guard said on Friday it had warned off and shadowed a Chinese research vessel operating in sensitive waters west of the island, marking the third time the ship has appeared near Taiwan since May.
Taiwan warns off, shadows Chinese research ship sailing to its west
Taiwan's coast guard said on Friday that it had warned off and shadowed a Chinese research ship sailing in sensitive waters to the island's west, the third time the vessel has appeared since May in what Taipei sees as ongoing maritime provocation.
The Coast Guard Administration of the Republic of China's Ocean Affairs Council stated on August 21, 2026, that the Chinese Communist Party's research vessel "Tongji" (pictured) was spotted in suspected reconnaissance waters near Xiaoliuqiu. The Administration has dispatched vessels to monitor the vessel throughout its activity and has issued warnings to it to leave. The Administration will continue to utilize joint intelligence and surveillance…
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