While Chinese ships are frequently found in Taiwanese waters, three China Coast Guard ships were recently spotted in restricted areas without their automatic identification system (AIS) on, violating International Maritime Organization regulations.
 

Earlier this month, two Chinese Coast Guard vessels were seen in restricted Taiwanese waters off the coast of the Kinmen islands without their automatic identification system (AIS) on. Last week, three more ships without AIS were spotted near Penghu.
 

The International Maritime Organization's International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea requires an AIS to be fitted aboard all ships regardless of size. Any vessel, including leisure boats, should have this system, which shows its position, thereby avoiding the risk of collision and ensuring safe navigation.

China’s vessels are frequently found in Taiwan's territory, and though these are not the first incidents of such vessels turning off their AIS, the number of silenced AIS cases is increasing. Experts speculate that the Chinese ships purposefully turned off their AIS to avoid being identified and tracked.

Taiwan Defense Ministry official think tank Institute for National Defense and Security Research Director Su Tzu-yun stated that these cases highlight intention, and China’s intent is clearly to apply more stealth in this surge of small-scale intrusions.

Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration has emphasized that it will strengthen patrols and be on high alert for more vessels trying to sail under the radar.