June 14, 2024
China recently issued Coast Guard Order No. 3, announcing that the Provisions on Administrative Law Enforcement Procedures of Coast Guard Agencies, formulated in line with the 2021 Coast Guard Law, will come into effect on June 15. The provisions will authorize the China Coast Guard to board, inspect, and detain foreign vessels and persons suspected of violating exit and entry management procedures in waters that China considers to be under its jurisdiction. This move has provoked a high degree of international concern. In addition to increasing regional tensions, it will impact navigation safety for international commercial and fishing vessels.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) will closely monitor related developments. MOFA strongly condemns the government of China for failing to comply with international law and the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. By unilaterally announcing the implementation of this measure, China is undermining regional peace and stability.
China has recently used military threats and gray-zone coercion against neighboring countries under the pretext of maintaining maritime order and improving governance at sea. Its actions have seriously compromised regional peace, stability, and prosperity. In response to China’s Coast Guard Order No. 3, Taiwan will continue to ensure the safe passage of foreign vessels and personnel through waters under Taiwan’s jurisdiction. Taiwan will also further coordinate with its regional allies and like-minded countries to jointly and appropriately deal with the potential consequences of this issue in order to maintain regional stability and the rules-based international order.