‘Turn around immediately’: Taiwan warns off Chinese coast guard boats again as tensions simmer

TAIPEI – Taiwan on March 16 warned off Chinese coast guard ships that entered its restricted waters near frontline islands close to China for a second day in a row, as tensions simmer across the sensitive Taiwan Strait. Taiwan’s coast guard said four Chinese coast guard boats on March 16 morning entered the restricted waters of Taiwan-controlled Kinmen islands, which hug the Chinese coast. It said the Chinese boats stayed just over an hour after Taiwan authorities asked them to leave. China claims democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory, over the island’s strong objections. It has stepped up military activities…