Taiwan Coast Guard Confronts Chinese Vessels in EEZ

Taiwan's Coast Guard says it is confronting a group of Chinese vessels that entered Taiwan's exclusive economic zone. According to the Coast Guard, the vessels include the Chinese research ship Hai Yang Di Zhi 8 and four fishing boats. Authorities say the research vessel has repeatedly entered the area since October and has disrupted Taiwanese fishing vessels. Taiwan Coast Guard personnel issued a radio warning demanding the vessel leave the area, saying its activities violated international conventions and regulations. Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling said it was the first time Taiwan had observed what she described as Chinese maritime militia, coast guard and research vessels operating together. She said the deployment suggested political motives behind the operation. The incident comes after a massive 24-hour spike in Chinese military aircraft sorties around Taiwan.