Taiwan accuses China of harassing ships with new east coast patrol

Taiwan accused China's coast guard of harassing ships during its latest patrol off its east coast, and said it sent its own vessels to monitor the movements, according to Reuters.

Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration said two Chinese ships took part in the patrol, and that radio communications the Chinese vessels sent to other ships represented a "clear expansion of power" that violates international law and threatens regional peace and stability.

Responding to the announcement of the patrol on Saturday evening, Chinese coast guard spokesman Jiang Lue said the patrol was routine and based on law. Chinese state media showed footage of one of the vessels broadcasting a radio message saying it was enforcing the law and providing assistance when needed.

In a separate incident, Taiwan's coast guard said another Chinese ship approached the waters of the Pratas Islands, and that Taiwan expelled Chinese coast guard vessels from those waters 13 times this year. The islands lie between southern Taiwan and Hong Kong and have no permanent civilian residents.

What do these terms mean?

Coast guard: A civilian maritime force that monitors territorial waters, enforces maritime laws and protects fishermen and ships.

Pratas Islands: A small group of islands in the South China Sea between southern Taiwan and Hong Kong, controlled by Taiwan and without permanent civilian residents.