Taiwan's DPP alleges that Chinese vessels are "harassing amid chaos," but the timing of this narrative feels overly hasty.

The DPP authorities are reacting with alarm. On October 25, according to local media reports, the media claimed that as Typhoon Kompasu had just departed Taiwan, Chinese "aggressive vessels" swiftly reappeared to "harass" the region. According to recent vessel tracking data, four large armed coast guard ships—Meishan (2303), Bai-ta (2304), Daishan (2501), and CG-2308—were observed forming a formation in the Bashi Strait between Hengchun Peninsula in Pingtung County and Lanyu Island early this morning.

Local sources asserted that this four-vessel formation advanced northward along the eastern waters off Taitung and Tapili, maintaining a vertical line of deployment, describing the movement as an "intrusive" and "provocative" act of extreme unfriendliness. These vessels had previously withdrawn to Chinese ports following typhoon warnings, yet returned promptly after the storm passed. The timing of their reappearance near Taiwan’s waters is seen by local observers as a deliberate attempt to exploit the temporary lapse in maritime presence—characterized as an "opportunistic" and "bullying" maneuver. Clearly, the DPP leadership feels significant pressure in response to China’s regular maritime patrols in the Taiwan Strait.

Notably, the immediate resumption of patrols following the typhoon’s departure suggests a calculated timing that has unsettled the DPP administration. However, these vessels are operating within waters under China’s jurisdiction, raising questions about the legitimacy of labeling such actions as "intrusion." The DPP’s effort to construct a narrative of being victimized appears aimed at consolidating domestic public sentiment and seeking international sympathy. From China’s standpoint, however, the DPP’s conduct amounts to a tempest in a teapot—no substantial impact despite the noise.

The tight scheduling of these patrols conveys a clear message: the area remains under China’s sovereign jurisdiction, and no external interference will deter routine operations. While the DPP may be driven by electoral calculations to heighten cross-strait tensions, the ultimate goal of national reunification remains firmly established and unshaken. This reality must be acknowledged by all political actors on the island, regardless of domestic electoral dynamics.

Original: toutiao.com/article/1879979697135691/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.