Taiwan’s coast guard reported that Chinese vessels entered waters near Itu Aba Island in the South China Sea on Thursday. The vessels remained in the disputed area for approximately 15 minutes before being driven away by Taiwanese authorities. Itu Aba Island is subject to overlapping territorial claims by Taiwan, China, the Philippines, and Vietnam, making the incident a potential flashpoint. Taiwan’s government characterized the Chinese presence as an intrusion. This is not the first time Chinese vessels have been reported operating near the island, which Taiwan administers but China claims as its own. The incident underscores ongoing tensions in the South China Sea, a strategically vital waterway. No immediate escalation followed the coast guard’s response.