China Coast Guard Patrols Near Kinmen for Second Day

The Fujian Coast Guard conducted routine law enforcement patrols in waters near Kinmen (Quemoy) on May 27, marking the second consecutive day of such operations, according to Xinhua News. The patrols are part of an ongoing campaign by Chinese maritime authorities to assert control over the Xiamen-Kinmen sea area, a recurring flashpoint in cross-strait relations.

Background and Escalation

The May 27 patrol follows a similar operation on May 26, during which the Coast Guard employed formation navigation, identification verification, and broadcast warning measures to strengthen control over key sea areas. The China Coast Guard confirmed that since the beginning of May, it has dispatched ship formations to continuously reinforce its presence in the region.

Spokesperson Zhu Anqing of the East China Sea Branch of the China Coast Guard announced both patrols, stating that the operations are conducted “in accordance with the law” and are aimed at safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests of fishermen on both sides of the strait, protecting life and property safety, and ensuring normal navigation and operational order in the Xiamen-Kinmen sea area.

Historical Context

The current cycle of Chinese coast guard patrols near Kinmen traces back to the February 14, 2024 “Kinmen Incident,” when a mainland Chinese fishing boat capsized near the islands during a pursuit by Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration, resulting in the deaths of two Chinese fishermen. Two days later, on February 18, 2024, China announced it would strengthen maritime law enforcement and conduct “routine law enforcement patrols” in the Xiamen-Kinmen sea area.

According to Taiwanese sources cited by TaroNews, Chinese coast guard vessels have entered Kinmen waters approximately 64 times since February 2024, averaging about four incursions per month. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration has characterized these operations as “malicious harassment” rather than legitimate law enforcement patrols, asserting that the navigation patterns are designed to challenge Taiwan’s administrative control without triggering a full-scale military confrontation.

Competing Narratives

The patrols highlight fundamentally divergent perspectives on maritime jurisdiction in the Taiwan Strait. From Beijing’s standpoint, the waters around Kinmen fall within China’s territorial jurisdiction, and the patrols represent routine law enforcement activities. China claims sovereignty over the Taiwan Strait and considers Kinmen, an island group administered by Taiwan located just 2 kilometers from the Fujian coast, as part of its territory.

Taipei, however, views these operations as illegal intrusions into its restricted waters. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration has consistently dispatched patrol boats to monitor and demand the departure of Chinese vessels. The agency has described the Chinese actions as “gray zone” harassment tactics that undermine regional stability and damage cross-strait relations.

Broader Strategic Implications

The consecutive patrols on May 26 and 27 suggest an increased operational tempo compared to previous months. This escalation occurs against a backdrop of strained cross-strait relations, with no significant breakthrough in political dialogue between Beijing and Taipei.

Analysts view these operations as exemplifying China’s “gray zone” strategy — actions that fall below the threshold of armed conflict but assert sovereignty claims and challenge the status quo. The stated justification of protecting fishermen’s rights also connects to broader disputes over fishing rights and maritime jurisdiction in the Taiwan Strait.

What to Watch

Key questions moving forward include whether the frequency of Chinese coast guard patrols will continue to increase, how Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration will respond to the heightened operational tempo, and whether international actors — particularly the United States and Japan — will issue statements regarding the recent developments. The Xiamen-Kinmen sea area remains a sensitive barometer of cross-strait tensions, and any escalation could have broader implications for regional stability in the Taiwan Strait.