Chinese Vessel Sparks Standoff Near Taiwan-Held Islands

Tensions between China and Taiwan have risen again following an incident near the strategically important Pratas Islands in the South China Sea. Taiwan's coast guard said a Chinese coast guard vessel left waters near the atolls on Sunday after a standoff lasting more than a day. The islands are administered by Taiwan but claimed by Beijing.

The incident began on Saturday when Taiwan spotted a Chinese vessel heading towards the Pratas Islands, which lie more than 400 km off Taiwan's main island. Taipei immediately dispatched its own coast guard ship, and a sharp radio exchange followed. The Chinese crew claimed it was carrying out a "routine mission" and that Beijing held both sovereignty and jurisdiction over the area.

The Taiwanese side called on China not to "destroy peace" and to "strive for democracy". Taiwanese officials said it was not only the assertion of jurisdiction that was unusual but also the length of the Chinese vessel's stay near the islands.

Security experts consider the Pratas among the most sensitive flashpoints in the region, as they are seen as vulnerable to possible Chinese operations. Taiwan defends them largely through the coast guard rather than the military.

(reuters, max)