MOFA strongly condemns China for taking various actions in Taiwan’s eastern EEZ that violate international law

MOFA strongly condemns China for taking various actions in Taiwan's eastern EEZ that violate international law

• Date：2026-06-09
• Data Source：Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs

June 9, 2026

No. 258

Since its Ministry of Transport announced the launch of a so-called "special law enforcement operation for maritime traffic in waters to the east of Taiwan" late on June 6, China has continuously deployed coast guard vessels to intrude into Taiwan's eastern waters. Between June 7 and 9, it even illegally harassed cargo ships exercising their right to freedom of navigation in waters surrounding Taiwan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the ROC (Taiwan) strongly condemns China for its absurd actions in infringing upon Taiwan's sovereign rights and illegally interfering with ships at sea.

MOFA emphasizes that neither the ROC (Taiwan) nor the People's Republic of China is subordinate to the other; that Taiwan enjoys all sovereign rights in its eastern waters granted by the relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea regarding exclusive economic zones; and that China has no right to take illegal actions within Taiwan's exclusive economic zone against any vessels exercising their right of freedom of navigation.

MOFA reiterates that Taiwan will not tolerate any violation of its territorial sovereignty and sovereign rights. Moreover, Taiwan will not accept attempts by China to interfere in any way with vessels passing through Taiwan's waters. Such actions violate international law and conventions, gravely disrupt the status quo, and mislead international public opinion. Indeed, they fully expose the unrestrained nature of authoritarian China's expansionist ambitions.

MOFA once again urges the international community to recognize the serious and immediate threat that China's illegal actions pose to regional peace and stability, and to jointly oppose China's unlawful conduct. The government of Taiwan will coordinate efforts across ministries and agencies to safeguard maritime security and continue to seek the support of like-minded nations in jointly maintaining security in the Indo-Pacific region. (E)