China has expanded its oil and gas drilling operations inside Taiwan"s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), with at least 12 vessels and permanent structures detected during July and August. This includes one vessel located within 50 kilometers of the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands, a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan.
The presence of these drilling vessels and several steel supports for fixed offshore platforms, known as jackets, marks a previously unreported development in the region. Surveillance data indicates that Chinese operations have encroached deeper into Taiwan"s EEZ, raising alarms among Taiwanese officials and prompting calls for increased monitoring and defense readiness.
This incident follows a pattern of assertive moves by China in the South China Sea and surrounding regions, where territorial disputes are common. The Taiwanese government has consistently protested against China"s actions, citing international law and the need for respect of its maritime boundaries. The situation is reminiscent of earlier coverage concerning regional tensions, such as recent developments involving military actions in contested waters.
As the situation unfolds, Taiwan"s government is expected to respond with diplomatic efforts to garner international support against China"s encroachment. The potential for escalation remains high, with both sides likely to bolster their military presence in the region amid growing geopolitical tensions.
