Taiwan says five China coast guard ships entered waters near frontline islands

Taiwan has a large military garrison on Kinmen, the scene of frequent fighting during the height of the Cold War, and Taiwan’s coast guard patrols its waters. - PHOTO: REUTERS

TAIPEI (Reuters): Five Chinese coast guard ships entered prohibited or restricted waters around Taiwan's frontline islands of Kinmen on Monday but left shortly after being warned away, a Taiwan minister said on Tuesday amid a continued rise in tensions with Beijing.

China's coast guard this month began regular patrols around the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands, which are close to China's coast, after two Chinese nationals died trying to flee Taiwan's coast guard after their boat entered prohibited waters.