TAIPEI (Reuters) – Taiwan has seen Chinese drones surrounding the Taipei-controlled Pratas Islands in the South China Sea and could bring them down if they get too close, a government minister said on Wednesday, a move that could dramatically increase tensions with Beijing.
Speaking in parliament, Lee Chung-wei, who heads the Ocean Affairs Council under the Coast Guard, said they had recently spotted Chinese drones surrounding Prata, although they had not flown over the islands.
“They never entered our waters and restricted airspace, but flew around them at a certain distance,” Lee said.
While China does not recognize any Taiwanese claim to sovereignty, its aircraft and ships generally remain outside Taiwan’s restricted area, which is 6 km from its coast.
Asked how the Coast Guard will react if a Chinese drone enters that restricted area, Lee said they have rules of engagement.
“After entering, he will be treated according to the rules. If we have to open fire, we open fire. “
The silver is at the end of the disputed waterway and has become a relatively new source of intrigue between Taiwan and Beijing, claimed by China.
In recent months, Taiwan has complained about the repeated activity of the Chinese air force near the islands, which the Taiwan Coast Guard defends only slightly, although there are regular deployments of sailors. There is no permanent civilian population, only occasional scientists.
In October, Hong Kong air traffic controllers warned of a Taiwanese civilian flight flying to Pratas on a weekly supply route, forcing it to return.
Pratas, Taiwan’s closest controlled territory to Hong Kong, has also taken on additional significance since anti-government protests began in the Chinese-led city.
Taiwan has intercepted at least one boat near Pratas carrying people fleeing Hong Kong trying to head for Taiwan.
The other main island of the South China Sea in Taiwan is Itu Aba, also known as Taiping Island, which is part of the Spratly Archipelago.
Lee said they did not see Chinese drones there.
In addition to China and Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam also have competing claims for islands and features in the South China Sea.
Reporting by Yimou Lee; Additional reporting and writing by Ben Blanchard; Mount by Simon Cameron-Moore