Taiwan warns off Tongji amid grey-zone harassment

Taiwan’s coast guard warned off and shadowed the Chinese research ship Tongji as it sailed in sensitive waters west of Taiwan, marking its third appearance since May and underscoring ongoing maritime provocation. Taiwan says the operations are part of China’s ‘grey zone’ tactics meant to pressure Taipei and project sovereignty claims, a view echoed by Beijing’s insistence on its territorial stance. The Tongji, reportedly commissioned last year, was not seen deploying instruments, with a coast guard patrol boat escorting alongside and delivering strong warnings to leave. Its reported positions included 24.9 nautical miles northwest of the Penghu islands and about 28 nautical miles west-southwest of Liuqiu, with the vessel continuing to sail southeast as Taiwan vowed proactive defense of its waters. Chinese military activity around Taiwan is described by Taipei as nearly daily, highlighting the broader, persistent tensions in the Taiwan Strait. The reports collectively emphasize Taiwan’s vigilance and concern over what it sees as illegal surveys and pressure linked to China’s maritime activities.