Image for representation purposes only Chinese coast guard vessels sailing near Taiwanese waters have been ‘harassing’ commercial ships passing through the region, Taiwan’s Coast Guard said. Chinese patrol ships are asking ships about their port of origin, their destination, details about cargo being carried, and claiming jurisdiction. According to naval experts, China is trying to assert its dominance and territorial claims through this behaviour since it believes democratically-governed Taiwan to be a part of its territory. Additionally, Beijing has been angered by Japan and the Philippines’ announcement regarding negotiations to officially map out their maritime boundaries or Exclusive Economic Zone in waters off Taiwan. Chinese media also reported that the country’s navy sent out ships for a “special maritime traffic law-enforcement operation” ⁠in the waters east of Taiwan. Taiwan’s Coast Guard said that Chinese ships had broadcast messages to atleast three commercial vessels asking them about their ports of departure, destination, etc. Taiwan’s patrol ships broadcast back that these were Taiwanese waters in which China had no jurisdiction and that China should not harass ships. Taiwan’s coast guard also advised passing ships not to pay heed to the Chinese inquiries. The commercial ships, however, were not intercepted, boarded or approached by nearby Chinese government vessels. When asked about the incident, a U.S. State Department spokesperson said that ​the ⁠U.S expects China and Taiwan to resolve their differences through peaceful means. “We urge Beijing to cease its military, diplomatic, and economic pressure against ⁠Taiwan and ​instead engage in meaningful dialogue with the ​elected leadership,” the spokesperson added. However, China refuses to speak with Taiwan President ​Lai Ching-te, saying he is a “separatist”.