Taiwan strengthens patrols around Pratas Islands as Chinese activity rises

Taiwan's Coast Guard said in a statement late on September 23 that completion of a wharf project in July allowed a newly built 100-tonne patrol boat to be formally stationed at Pratas, improving nearshore patrols and immediate response. Larger patrol vessels are also being deployed regularly around the islands.

The Coast Guard described the deployment as a response to increased Chinese activity. Reuters reported that Chinese coast guard ships have increased patrols near Pratas and were seen there earlier this month. China's Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Taiwan administers the Pratas Islands, which have an airstrip but no permanent civilian population. Security is handled by the Coast Guard rather than the military. The Coast Guard said it has confiscated nine Chinese fishing boats around Pratas this year and repurposed them for reef patrol and marine-conservation work.

The announcement confirms a change in patrol capacity and deployment. It should not be described as a blockade, exchange of fire or change in sovereignty. China had not publicly responded to the deployment by the time of the Reuters report.

Verification status: confirmed through a public Taiwan Coast Guard statement reported and checked by Reuters. News value: B. Origin region: China/Taiwan. Primary section: Security. Related regions: Asia and worldwide. Source time: September 24, 2026, 02:26 UTC. N Globe report time: September 24, 2026, 02:36 UTC.