4 Chinese vessels enter Taiwan's restricted waters, says Taipei

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) - Taiwan accused four Chinese coast guard vessels of entering its restricted waters, local media reported on Monday.

On Sunday morning, the Chinese ships navigated from the southwest of Fujian's Damaoshan into Kinmen's restricted waters, according to the Taipei-based Central News Agency.

The vessels switched off their automatic identification system and proceeded eastward, before leaving restricted waters after two hours, it added.

Taiwan's Coast Guard responded by deploying patrol boats.

The same four ships entered Kinmen waters again at 3 pm local time, prompting Taiwan’s pre-positioned patrol boats to approach and issue radio warnings, according to the news agency.

Under escort and monitoring by Taiwan’s patrol craft, the Chinese ships exited the restricted waters at 5:10 pm, it said.

There was no immediate comment from the Chinese side.

China considers Taiwan its breakaway province whereas Taipei insists on its independence.