Taiwan Vows to Expel Chinese Vessels After Beijing Conducts Unprecedented Patrol in Eastern Waters

Jun 11, 2026

China conducts an unprecedented multi-day patrol east of Taiwan, inspecting 198 vessels and questioning foreign ships for the first time, prompting Taiwan to vow to expel any Chinese vessels asserting jurisdiction. The patrol was a response to Japan-Philippines maritime talks. Separately, Taiwan opposition leader Cheng Li-wun promotes engagement with Beijing during a U.S. visit, revealing she avoided "reunification" talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Chinese Maritime Patrol and Taiwanese Response

▪On June 11, 2026, two Chinese government ships intruded for 15 minutes into restricted waters near the Taiwan-controlled island of Itu Aba.
▪For the first time, Chinese vessels radioed three foreign merchant ships to ask for their ports of departure and destination.
▪During its patrol, China's coast guard inspected 198 passing vessels and rectified violations involving three ships.
▪China conducted a multi-day "special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation" in waters east of Taiwan, concluding on June 10, 2026.
▪Taiwan's coast guard vowed to "forcefully drive away" and "expel" any Chinese vessels asserting jurisdiction in its waters.
▪China's patrol was a response to Japan and the Philippines announcing plans for formal talks on their maritime boundaries.

KMT Policy and U.S. Outreach

▪The KMT faced criticism from the ruling DPP for passing a scaled-back defense spending bill in May 2026 that was less than President Lai Ching-te requested.
▪Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) opposition party, is on a 15-day trip to the United States to promote her party's policies.

Cheng-Xi meeting reunification discussion

▪KMT leader Cheng Li-wun stated that "reunification" was not discussed during her recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
▪Cheng Li-wun said current conditions are not suitable for discussing reunification as cross-strait dialogue has been severed for 10 years.

Cross-strait dialogue resumption strategy

▪Cheng Li-wun believes returning to the 1992 consensus and opposing Taiwan independence is the foundation for smooth cross-strait dialogue.
▪Cheng Li-wun stated that if the KMT returns to power in 2028, it will restart comprehensive exchanges with mainland China.

Taiwan independence constitutional interpretation

▪Cheng Li-wun explained the constitution defines a "mainland area" and a "free area" (Taiwan), so not seeking permanent separation avoids the issue of independence.
▪KMT leader Cheng Li-wun described the Republic of China's constitution as a "one-China Constitution."