Taiwan upgrades maritime patrol capacity for vulnerable South China Sea outpost
Taiwan has upgraded its maritime patrols around the Pratas Islands in the South China Sea, deploying larger vessels and a new patrol boat to counter increased Chinese activity.
- Taiwan has upgraded its maritime patrol around the Pratas Islands with larger ships and a new 100-tonne-class patrol boat to enhance security amid increased Chinese activities.
- The Pratas Islands, located over 400km from Taiwan, are vulnerable to Chinese attacks, prompting Taiwan to strengthen patrols and enforcement with multi-layered deterrence.
- Since early 2026, Taiwan's Coast Guard confiscated nine Chinese fishing boats near Pratas and uses them for reef patrol and marine conservation, protecting this national park area.
TAIPEI – Taiwan has upgraded its maritime patrol capacity around the Pratas Islands in the disputed South China Sea, including regularly sending larger ships there, the government said, responding to an increase in Chinese activities.
China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory, a position the government in Taipei rejects. China has pressured Taiwan by https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/taiwan-upgrades-maritime-patrol-capacity-for-vulnerable-south-china-sea-outpost
