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China establishes 'new normal' with coast guard patrols east of Taiwan
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Conflict & Security

China establishes 'new normal' with coast guard patrols east of Taiwan

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • China is establishing a new normal with coast guard patrols east of Taiwan, analysts say, increasing pressure on the self-ruled island.
  • These patrols, which include radio verification of passing cargo ships, are seen as rehearsing mechanisms for a future blockade or quarantine.
  • The move has raised concerns among Western governments and is part of China's broader strategy of expanding maritime activities in the region.

China has signaled its intent to maintain a new coast guard patrol east of Taiwan, a move analysts say signals Beijing's escalating pressure on the self-ruled island it claims as its territory. This "new normal," as described by SeaLight director Ray Powell, involves "law enforcement operations" that have included radio verification of passing cargo ships.

China is essentially announcing a new normal.

— Ray PowellDirector of SeaLight, a group monitoring China's maritime activities, commenting on the significance of the patrols.

This activity, which began in June, marks a significant shift from previous "blockade-style military exercises" in the area, according to William Yang of the International Crisis Group. Experts like Gregory Poling of the Center for Strategic and International Studies believe Beijing is asserting broad law enforcement rights in its claimed exclusive economic zone, exceeding international law.

Beijing appears to be claiming vast law enforcement rights across its claimed exclusive economic zone that go far beyond what is allowed by international law.

— Gregory PolingDirector of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, explaining the implications of China's actions.

Su Tzu-yun, a military expert at Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research, views these patrols as establishing "new operational norms." By conducting radio checks, China is effectively rehearsing the procedures needed for a potential future blockade or quarantine of Taiwan. Taiwan has responded by deploying its own coast guard vessels to monitor the Chinese ships, which have been operating between 74 and 124 nautical miles offshore.

By conducting radio verification procedures for passing commercial vessels, China is effectively rehearsing the mechanisms required for a future blockade or quarantine.

— Su Tzu-yunMilitary expert at the Taipei-based Institute for National Defense and Security Research, analyzing China's strategic intent.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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