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Taiwan Accuses Chinese Coast Guard of Harassing Commercial Shipping. Taiwan says Chinese coast guard vessels have been questioning commercial ships transiting waters off Taiwan's east coast, asking for details such as their route while asserting Chinese jurisdiction. According to Taipei, the incidents began on Sunday and involved at least three merchant vessels. Taiwanese authorities responded by broadcasting messages stating that the waters were under Taiwan's jurisdiction and urging Chinese vessels not to harass civilian shipping. The Chinese activity followed Beijing's criticism of a recent decision by Japan and the Philippines to begin formal maritime boundary talks with Taiwan. Chinese state media said coast guard ships had been deployed for a "special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation" east of Taiwan. The United States called for cross-strait differences to be resolved peacefully and without coercion, while urging Beijing to halt military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Taiwan. The episode confirms ongoing tensions over sovereignty and maritime control, with Taiwan rejecting China's territorial claims and Beijing refusing official contacts with President Lai Ching-te.
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