Taiwan coast guard uses water cannon on Chinese fishing boats near Dongsha

Oct 01, 2026

Taiwan's coast guard drove two Chinese fishing boats out of restricted waters near Dongsha Island, a sign of rising friction in the South China Sea.

  • Two Chinese boats were caught anchored and fishing inside Taiwan's restricted zone east of Dongsha Island.
  • One left after radio warnings; the other refused, so a patrol ship sprayed its bridge with a water cannon until it moved.
  • The boat then lost power, and the same patrol ship guarded it overnight, handed over hot meals, and towed it to safety.
  • Taiwan says Chinese boats are crossing the line far more often now and hauling away tons of fish, damaging local waters and sea life.

Outlook: Taiwan plans to keep patrol ships in the area and is pressing Beijing to rein in its fishing fleet, so more standoffs are likely.

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