The US State Department has accused China of destabilising conduct in the waters east of Taiwan and urged Beijing to end its pressure on the island, Focus Taiwan reported on October 9. The remarks came after Reuters reported that a Chinese maritime militia boat had been sighted off Taiwan's eastern coast in August.

Taipei says Beijing is using coast guard and research missions as cover to widen its presence, build an appearance of jurisdiction over the waters and test Taiwan's maritime law enforcement without provoking open conflict.

In an emailed response given on background, a State Department spokesperson said Washington "remains concerned by China's activity east of Taiwan."

"China's actions are deeply destabilising. By asserting authorities around maritime areas that Taiwan has peacefully administered for over 70 years, China only exacerbates tensions and undermines the peaceful resolution of issues that it claims to seek," the spokesperson told Taiwan's CNA.

The spokesperson also called on Beijing to halt its pressure campaign and hold meaningful talks with Taiwan's democratically elected government.

According to Reuters, Taiwan's Apex Aviation spotted the vessel, the Minfudingyu 07902, in mid-August more than 30 nautical miles from Hualien county on Taiwan's east coast. Apex identified it as a fishing boat that also serves in China's maritime militia. A Chinese coast guard cutter and a research ship were sailing with it at the time.

Two senior Taiwanese officials, speaking anonymously, told Reuters that Taipei knew about the August incident. They said the authorities had classified the boat as part of the People's Liberation Army's maritime militia fleet.

Taiwan's defence ministry responded to the report on October 8. It said Beijing's use of law enforcement and scientific research as pretexts was eroding the international order.

The agency said none of the Chinese vessels involved had entered Taiwan's restricted waters, and that it had followed their movements throughout and responded accordingly.