Taiwanese Navy Ship Collides With Chinese Vessel In Taiwan Strait

A Taiwanese Navy landing ship collided with a Chinese fishing boat in the Taiwan Strait early Thursday, March 27, 2025. The incident occurred around 45 nautical miles (83 km) off Taichung port and nine nautical miles outside restricted waters.

The Chung Ho, a Zhonghe-class tank landing ship of Taiwan’s navy, collided with the Chinese trawler Minlianyu 61756 just after midnight.

Taiwan’s navy confirmed that no injuries were reported on either vessel, and while both sustained damage, it did not affect their ability to sail.

After the collision, Taiwan’s Coast Guard was dispatched to investigate and collect evidence. The Navy has launched an inquiry to determine the cause and responsibility for the incident, though it has not disclosed further details.

A spokesperson from China’s State Council condemned the incident, calling it “vile behavior” from Taiwan while confirming that Beijing was conducting its investigation.

Meanwhile, a PRC Defense Ministry representative dismissed media speculation that the fishing boat was involved in spying activities, stating that further details were needed before coming to a conclusion.

Taiwan has been tracking Chinese fishing boats and other vessels that frequently operate near its waters. Authorities suspect some of these ships may be monitoring naval activities or conducting unauthorised operations.

Taiwan recently reported an increase in suspicious vessels, including:

• Chinese research ships deploying instruments in restricted areas.
• Chinese-owned foreign-registered vessels lingering near Taiwan’s waters.
• A Chinese fuel barge detained for lacking identification, referred to as a “three-no” vessel (no name, home port, or registration papers).

The Taiwan Strait has been the site of multiple maritime incidents involving Chinese vessels in recent years. Some of the most notable are:

In February 2024, a Chinese fishing boat capsized near Taiwan’s Kinmen Islands while being pursued by Taiwan’s Coast Guard for alleged trespassing. Two Chinese fishermen died, and two survivors were detained before being deported.

Another incident involves a collision involving an unidentified vessel that left three Chinese fishermen missing near Kinmen, further escalating tensions in August 2024.

In March 2025, Taiwan accused smaller Chinese cargo ships of damaging undersea cables.

Taiwan’s defence officials have said that 2027 could be an important year for a possible full-scale Chinese invasion, based on recent military assessments.

Reference: Reuters

Source: Maritime Shipping News