China Coast Guard

Taiwan stations 100-tonne patrol boat at Pratas as China increases South China Sea patrols

Increasing patrols near Pratas since 2024

A 100-tonne patrol boat is now permanently based at Pratas Island, a Taiwan-controlled atoll in the South China Sea more than 400 kilometers from Taiwan's main island. Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration announced the move on September 23 as part of a "comprehensive" upgrade of patrol capacity around the disputed outpost.

Updated Sep 24

Water cannons on fishermen: Sabina Shoal becomes China–Philippines’ new front line

Force in Play

Enforces China’s claims through ‘control measures’ short of gunfire

A month ago, China's coast guard escalated beyond shoving resupply convoys. It blasted water cannons at small Philippine fishing boats near Sabina (Escoda) Shoal, damaged two vessels, and left three fishermen injured. Chinese craft allegedly cut anchor lines and boxed out rescuers.

Updated May 15

Chinese carrier jets lock fire-control radar on Japanese fighters near Okinawa

Force in Play

Conducting assertive patrols near the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands and confronting Japanese vessels

On December 6, 2025, two Chinese J-15 carrier fighters from the Liaoning locked fire-control radar on Japanese F-15s over international waters southeast of Okinawa. Japan's defense minister Shinjiro Koizumi called the lock-ons "dangerous" and "extremely regrettable," and Tokyo lodged a formal protest.

Updated May 10

China Coast Guard

Stories

Taiwan stations 100-tonne patrol boat at Pratas as China increases South China Sea patrols

Water cannons on fishermen: Sabina Shoal becomes China–Philippines’ new front line

Chinese carrier jets lock fire-control radar on Japanese fighters near Okinawa