U.S. calls China's east Taiwan maritime moves 'deeply destabilising' as Lai vows not to yield freedom

The sighting, reported by Reuters on Friday, placed a Chinese fishing vessel called Minfudingyu 07902 about 30 nautical miles off Hualien County on Taiwan's east coast in mid August, sailing with a China Coast Guard cutter and a research ship. Two senior Taiwanese officials confirmed the vessels were in the area, and one said the fishing boat belongs to the People's Liberation Army's maritime militia, working in coordination with coast guard harassment drills.

China, which views Taiwan as its own territory, has stepped up activity off the island's east coast since June with regular coast guard patrols. Officials in Taiwan, which rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, say they believe China is practicing for a possible maritime blockade using overlapping military, paramilitary, and civilian assets. Taipei regards the waters off its east coast as critical to wartime supply routes from allies in the event of a blockade or conflict.

'China's actions are deeply destabilising,' a State Department spokesperson said. 'By asserting authorities around maritime areas that Taiwan has peacefully administered for over 70 years, China only exacerbates tensions and undermines the peaceful resolution of issues that it claims to seek.' The department urged Beijing to cease its pressure and engage in 'meaningful dialogue with Taiwan's democratically elected authorities.' China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond.

Lai, speaking at Saturday's national day ceremony, said boosting Taiwan's defense is 'not provocation.' He added: 'Taiwan cherishes peace, but we will not give up our freedom.' Washington remains Taiwan's most important international backer, though President Trump has yet to approve a new $14 billion arms sale package for the island.