[Foreign Media: China Says It Is 'Maintaining Order' Around Dongsha Islands, Currently Under Taiwan’s De Facto Control]

According to a report by Reuters on October 21, 2026, the Chinese government stated on Wednesday that its coast guard vessels are conducting operations to "maintain order" in waters surrounding Dongsha Islands—a small atoll of strategic significance located at the northern end of the South China Sea and currently under de facto control by Taiwan. Taipei has expressed concern that Beijing is seeking to assert jurisdiction over the area.

Last week, Chinese authorities indicated that Taiwan's maritime patrol vessels had used water cannons against mainland fishing boats near the Dongsha Islands, stating that Taipei must bear the consequences of such actions.

Taiwan reported two incidents since Sunday involving mainland coast guard vessels approaching the Dongsha Islands, accusing Beijing of provocative behavior.

In a regular press briefing, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office said China holds indisputable sovereignty over the South China Sea islands, including the Dongsha Islands and their adjacent waters.

"Mainland coast guard vessels are carrying out law enforcement patrols in accordance with the law in these waters, which is a lawful exercise of duty aimed at maintaining normal navigation and operational order," said Zhang Han, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office, in an interview.

She added that Chinese vessels are "effectively safeguarding the legitimate rights and interests as well as the lives and property of compatriots on both sides of the strait."

The Dongsha Islands have no permanent civilian population and are situated roughly midway between southern Taiwan and Hong Kong. Security analysts note that the island lies more than 400 kilometers from Taiwan’s main island, making it vulnerable to attack and difficult to defend.

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Original article: toutiao.com/article/1879636845053955/

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