TAIPEI (Reuters) – Taiwan has seen Chinese drones circling the Taipei-controlled Silver Islands in the South China Sea and could fire them if they get too close, a government minister said on Wednesday, a move that could rise sharply tensions with Beijing.
Speaking to parliament, Lee Chung-wei, who heads the Oceanic Affairs Council under Coast Guard competence, said they had recently seen Chinese drones circling Pratas, although they have not flown over the islands.
“They’ve never entered our restricted waters and airspace, they’ve only flown around it at a certain distance,” Lee said.
Although China does not recognize any claim to Taiwanese sovereignty, its planes and ships generally stay outside the restricted area of Taiwan, which stretches 6 km off its coast.
Asked how the Coast Guard would react if a Chinese drone entered this restricted area, Lee said they had rules of engagement.
“After entering, it will be managed according to the rules. If we have to open fire, we open fire ”.
The Pratas are located at the upper end of the disputed waterway and have 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, something that the Taiwan Coast Guard only slightly defends, although there are regular deployments of marines. There is no permanent civilian population, only occasional visiting scientists.
In October, Hong Kong air traffic controllers warned of a Taiwanese civilian flight flying to Pratas on a weekly supply routine, forcing it to turn back.
The Pratas, Taiwan’s closest controlled territory to Hong Kong, have also gained extra importance since anti-government protests began in the China-led city.
Taiwan has intercepted at least one ship near the Pratas carrying people fleeing Hong Kong trying to head for Taiwan.
The other main island in the South China Sea of Taiwan is Itu Aba, also known as Taiping Island, which is part of the Spratly Archipelago.
Lee said they have not seen Chinese drones there.
Apart from China and Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam also have competing claims for islands and features in the South China Sea.
Yimou Lee Reports; Additional reports and writing by Ben Blanchard; Edited by Simon Cameron-Moore