Is this the first time Chinese coast guard vessels entered Kinmen waters?

No, such incursions have occurred repeatedly in recent years, indicating a pattern of gray-zone pressure.

Isn't close shadowing by patrol boats risky?

While risky, one-on-one shadowing is a standard international practice to deter intrusion while maintaining communication to prevent escalation.

Are Kinmen waters international waters?

Taiwan claims jurisdiction, but China disputes this, making it a contested maritime zone.

Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Intrude into Kinmen Waters; Coast Guard Calls for Restraint Against Irrational Provocation

Published Jul 14, 2026 7:24 PM ・ Updated Jul 14, 2026 9:43 PM ・ 4 min read ・ Source: CNA (Central News Agency)

Four Chinese coast guard vessels intruded into Kinmen waters on the afternoon of April 14, 2025. Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration deployed patrol vessels to shadow them one-on-one, issued bilingual warnings, and collected evidence throughout the incident.

(Central News Agency reporter Wu Wen-rong, Kinmen, April 14) Four Chinese coast guard vessels intruded into Kinmen waters this afternoon. Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration patrol vessels shadowed them throughout. The Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch of the Coast Guard Administration stated that it will continue to steadfastly defend the frontline of maritime security, ensuring peace and order in Kinmen waters, while calling on China to refrain from irrational provocation.

The Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch of the Ocean Affairs Council's Coast Guard Administration announced in a press release that at approximately 3:00 p.m. today, the 12th Patrol Division detected four Chinese coast guard vessels—identified as '14533,' '14605,' '14606,' and '14530'—approaching restricted waters from the southern waters of Kinmen in two groups. The Coast Guard immediately dispatched four patrol vessels to shadow each vessel one-on-one, collected evidence throughout the encounter, and broadcasted warnings in both Chinese and English via radio, demanding the Chinese vessels immediately leave the area. Under continuous shadowing and radio warnings, the Chinese coast guard vessels exited the waters at 5:03 p.m.

The Coast Guard Administration pointed out that, shortly after a typhoon passed and with sea conditions still unstable, China's coast guard deliberately conducted irrational, unprofessional, and safety-threatening intrusion activities, disregarding maritime navigation and operational safety. Such actions not only undermine peace and stability but also reveal China's underlying logic of pursuing political objectives by any means necessary.

The Kinmen-Matsu-Penghu Branch emphasized, 'Safeguarding national sovereignty and ensuring the safety of our fishermen and maritime workers is the Coast Guard Administration's unequivocal mission.' It pledged to continue defending the maritime frontline, maintaining peace and order in Kinmen waters, and once again called on China to exercise restraint and cease irrational provocations. (Edited by Lin Shu-hui) 1150714

FACT BOX

Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
Category: Taiwan

Chinese Coast Guard Vessels Intrude into Kinmen Waters; Coast Guard Calls for Restraint Against Irrational Provocation

⚡ Key Points

FACT BOX

Editorial & Verification Standards

FAQ

Cite this article — HOW TO CITE

AI CRAWLER ACTIVITY