Taiwan Straits: For years, China has tried to pressure Taiwan Strait using its powerful navy, air force, and the world’s largest army. But now, it’s not warships or fighter jets causing the most worry—it’s small boats.
Unusual Crossings by Dinghies
Recently, Taiwan’s coast guard has observed something unusual: groups of people from China attempting to travel across the 160-kilometer (roughly 100-mile) Taiwan Strait using china’s small boats stir. Hsieh Ching-chin, a top coast guard official, said there have been five separate cases where a total of 38 Chinese nationals have tried this dangerous crossing.
One of these cases was even shared on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok. The video features a man with a distinct accent from China placing a Chinese flag on a shore he claims belongs to Taiwan. The scenery behind him seems to match a stretch of shoreline located south of Taipei, the main city of Taiwan. Authorities in Taiwan are still trying to find out who this man is and whether anyone in Taiwan helped him.
In a separate case, authorities quickly apprehended a man and his son shortly after they arrived on Taiwan’s shores. Another incident involved a man reaching a fishing harbor located in a well-known tourist spot just north of Taipei.
China’s Claim Over Taiwan
China claims Taiwan as its own and has stated that it is willing to use military action if needed to gain control over the island. The Chinese government does not recognize Taiwan’s independence, and the relationship between the two sides is tense and complicated.
Security Challenges for Taiwan
The small size of these boats—some are even simple inflatable rafts meant for recreation—makes it very difficult for Taiwan’s radar systems to detect them. To monitor the entire coastline effectively, Taiwan would need many more cameras, sensors, and security personnel. However, the island’s rugged and remote shores make it hard to cover every possible landing spot. Even so, experts say it would still be extremely difficult for China to launch a large-scale invasion by sea, like the famous D-Day landings in World War II.
Rising Tensions and Military Drills
These unusual boat crossings are happening at a time of increased tension between China and Taiwan. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has recently described China as a threat that the island must defend against. Meanwhile, China has been holding frequent military drills near Taiwan, which many see as practice runs for a possible attack or blockade.
Penalties for Illegal Entry
Anyone caught entering Taiwan without permission can face a fine of 500,000 Taiwan dollars (about 16,666 US dollars) and up to five years in prison. However, if no one is hurt and there’s no property damage, these punishments are often not enforced. In the 1990s, there were several cases where Chinese citizens hijacked boats or planes to get to Taiwan. Those involved usually served short prison sentences before being sent back to China.
China’s “Gray Zone” Tactics
Besides its military threats, China uses a range of other strategies to try to influence Taiwan. These include spreading messages in the media and encouraging celebrities to support China’s position, hoping to win over the Taiwanese public or sow confusion. Taiwan has removed Chinese women who were married to Taiwanese men after they posted videos online supporting China’s takeover of the island. For example, Liu Zhenya, a Chinese influencer living in Taiwan, had her residency canceled and was told to leave because her social media posts praised Beijing’s plans to control Taiwan and were seen as a threat to Taiwan’s national security. Taiwanese officials say such actions go against the island’s sovereignty, and after deportation, these women are not allowed to reapply for residency for several years.
The Purpose Behind the Small Boat Landings
Some experts believe these small boat crossings might be a new way for China to unsettle Taiwan. By sending people across in dinghies, China could be trying to create uncertainty and shake the confidence of the Taiwanese people. According to Hsieh Ching-chin, these incidents might be designed to distract authorities and make the public feel less secure.
While these small boats are not as dangerous as warships or military aircraft, they represent a different kind of challenge. Taiwan must now watch not only for large-scale military threats but also for these smaller, unpredictable actions. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle between China and Taiwan, as well as the many ways China tries to assert its claim over the island.
While China continues to show its military strength near Taiwan, it is the arrival of small boats carrying Chinese citizens that is currently causing the most concern for Taiwan’s security forces. These incidents are a reminder that threats can come in many forms, and Taiwan must remain alert to both traditional military dangers and new, unconventional tactics. As tensions remain high, both sides are watching each other closely, and the world is paying attention to how this complex situation will develop.
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