Speaking on Thursday, Kuan Bi-ling, head of Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council, said Beijing is steadily expanding its presence through what Taipei describes as 'grey zone harassment' non-combat operations aimed at exerting sustained pressure.
Located roughly midway between southern Taiwan and Hong Kong, the Pratas Islands known as Dongsha in both China and Taiwan are considered strategically exposed.
Security analysts have long pointed out their vulnerability, given their distance of over 400 km from mainland Taiwan.
Unlike other frontline areas, the islands are lightly defended and fall under the jurisdiction of Taiwan's coastguard rather than its military. However, China claims the territory as its own, along with Taiwan.
Kuan noted that Chinese government vessels, including coastguard ships, have increasingly operated around the Pratas since last year. Previously, such activity was largely concentrated near Taiwan itself and the Kinmen Islands, which lie close to China's coastline.
She described the development as part of a broader strategy to expand operational zones and gradually normalise Chinese presence in contested waters.
In response, Taiwan has begun upgrading infrastructure and operational readiness on the islands.
The wharf on the main island has been renovated, and authorities plan to deploy vessels with enhanced operational capacity on a regular basis.
'From a political and strategic perspective, seizing Dongsha would carry significant importance for them,' Kuan said, adding that Taiwan is actively working to develop a more robust island defence system.
While specific details were not disclosed, she indicated that preparations are underway to improve both defensive capabilities and logistical readiness.
Tensions have already manifested in the airspace above the islands. In January, Taiwan reported that a Chinese reconnaissance drone briefly flew over the Pratas an act its defence ministry described as 'provocative and irresponsible'.
Kuan criticised China's pressure campaign, arguing that it diverts resources from humanitarian priorities such as maritime rescue operations.
She added that in the event of conflict, Taiwan's coastguard vessels including the Anping-class corvettes could be mobilised for combat roles. These ships are based on naval warship designs and can be equipped with anti-ship missiles.
Despite rising tensions, Taiwanese officials view the situation as an opportunity to enhance readiness.
'As a result, we are accelerating efforts to strengthen our capabilities and improve the transition between peacetime and wartime readiness,' Kuan said.
China's Taiwan Affairs Office has not yet responded to the remarks.
(with inputs from Reuters)