Taipei [Taiwan] September 3 (ANI) China has quietly deployed oil rigs and associated infrastructure inside Taiwan’s unique financial zone (EEZ) close to Dongsha Island, sparking rising concern over the attainable navy use of those constructions, in line with Taiwan News.
According to Taiwan News, Beijing has put in 12 everlasting or semi-permanent drilling rigs, together with three storage ships and two semi-submersible oil platforms, all operated by the state-owned China National Offshore Oil Corporation. These services have reportedly been in place since not less than May 2020.
The scenario has escalated in latest months. On July 15, 2024, the Nan Hai No. 6 oil rig got here inside simply 770 meters of Dongsha’s restricted waters, whereas this July, the semi-submersible Nan Hai No. 2 entered deep into Taiwan’s EEZ and now sits about 48 kilometres from the island’s restricted zone, Taiwan News highlighted.
While labelled as civilian tools, the platforms are seen as a part of Beijing’s broader ‘maritime gray zone’ technique, which seeks to advance territorial claims with out resorting to direct navy confrontation. Analysts warned that the rigs might be retrofitted for navy use, probably internet hosting radar techniques, acoustic sensors, anti-air defences, small-calibre weapons, and even assault helicopters. Some specialists even advised the potential of cruise-missile launchers being put in on these constructions.
This strategy is just not new. China has beforehand tried to put related platforms contained in the EEZs of Japan and Vietnam, although each governments efficiently protested and compelled their removing. The newest report urged Taiwan to undertake a comparable technique of diplomatic and public pushback, emphasising that resisting these encroachments is each achievable and essential.
‘China is unlikely to halt its gray zone actions, however constant and clear opposition might assist gradual its incremental advances earlier than they attain a harmful level,’ Taiwan News reported.
Meanwhile, Taiwan continues to bolster defences round Dongsha Island. In latest months, the Coast Guard Administration intercepted Chinese vessels close to the island, whereas stationed marines stay outfitted with mortars, anti-aircraft autocannons, Stinger missiles, and Kestrel rockets. These deployments underscore Taipei’s dedication to guard its maritime sovereignty, in line with Taiwan News. (ANI)