Taiwan’s government has accused China of breaching international law by drilling for oil and gas inside Taiwan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and demanded an immediate halt to the activity.
The statement from the office of Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, followed revelations that several Chinese oil rigs and associated vessels, owned by state-run China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), had been detected near the disputed Pratas Islands, which are under Taiwanese control. The assets had been present for up to five years, according to a report by the Jamestown Foundation.
Presidential office spokesperson Karen Kuo called on China to “clearly explain” its actions and “immediately cease illegal deployment and exploitation activities”, stating that the operations violated the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos) and posed risks to regional stability.
Analysts noted that Taiwan’s options are limited due to its political status, which prevents it from being party to Unclos or its arbitration mechanisms. Taiwan lacks the maritime strength to challenge the activity directly. William Yang of the International Crisis Group suggested Taiwan clarify agency responsibility and enhance coastguard patrols.
Taiwan’s defence ministry indicated awareness of the vessels and readiness to assist the coastguard. Kuo said Taiwan would cooperate with regional countries to seek joint responses, following similar complaints by Japan, Vietnam, and Korea.
