China signals 'new normal' with coast guard patrols off Taiwan's east
China has begun regular coast guard patrols east of Taiwan, describing the activity as a new normal. The patrols include radio verification of passing cargo ships, which analysts say could be rehearsing future blockade or quarantine measures. Taiwan has deployed its own coast guard vessels in response and warned that the patrols must not become permanent.
- ▪China Coast Guard vessels have started continuous law‑enforcement patrols east of Taiwan, a shift from earlier limited exercises.
- ▪During the patrols, Chinese ships radioed cargo vessels for crew and destination information, a practice seen as a step toward possible blockades.
- ▪Taiwan responded by sending two of its coast guard vessels to monitor the Chinese ships and warned the patrols should not become permanent.
- ▪Analysts say the new patrols exceed what international law permits for law‑enforcement activities in exclusive economic zones.
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A Taiwan Coast Guard patrol vessel, right, is seen sailing near a China Coast Guard ship in waters south of Kinmen, in Kinmen, Taiwan, July 8. AFP-YonhapTAIPEI — China has signaled its intent to maintain a new coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, analysts say, as Beijing dials up pressure on the self-ruled island that it claims is part of its territory.Tensions over Western Pacific waters off Taiwan spiked after the Chinese coast guard and other ships launched their first "law enforcement operation" in that area in June.During the operation, the China Coast Guard for the first time radioed cargo ships passing Taiwan for information about their crew and destination.Chinese state media said the operation was in response to talks between Japan and the Philippines to draw a boundary in those…
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