Chinese maritime authorities conducted their first joint search-and-rescue exercise in the Taiwan Shoal waters on December 6, 2025, enhancing emergency response capabilities in the southern Taiwan Strait. The drill has sparked renewed cross-strait tensions as Taiwan region's coast guard authorities accused the mainland of 'unilateral boundary expansion through law enforcement activities.'
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Chen Binhua dismissed the claims during a press briefing, stating: 'Both sides of the strait belong to one China. Our maritime safety operations are lawful measures to protect navigation security and maintain regional stability.' He emphasized the mainland's jurisdiction over the entire strait under international law.
The controversy coincides with the U.S. Congress approving a $1 billion military assistance package to the Taiwan region through its 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. The legislation mandates enhanced military-technical cooperation, including joint development of unmanned defense systems by March 2026.
Chen condemned the U.S. move as 'a severe violation of the one-China principle and the three joint communiqués,' warning that 'external forces arming Taiwan will only lead to dangerous consequences.' He urged Washington to cease military collaborations with the Taiwan region, asserting that 'any attempts to seek independence through foreign support are doomed to fail.'
Analysts note the developments occur amid heightened cross-strait patrols following recent maritime incidents. The mainland has conducted 12 maritime safety inspections in the strait this year, a 20% increase from 2024 levels according to official statistics.
