China Puts the ‘Squeeze’ on Taiwan with New Maritime Patrols The recent expansion of China's maritime patrols east of Taiwan has sent shockwaves through the region, raising fears that Beijing may be rehearsing a containment strategy to strangle the self ruled island from outside trade and assistance.
The increase in law enforcement operations by China's coastguard and civilian fleet is not just about signaling its claims over Taiwan's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ); it's also part of a broader effort to test the limits of Taiwan's defense capabilities.
The implications are far reaching. By extending its claimed administrative jurisdiction into Taiwan's eastern waters, Beijing is effectively surrounding the island rather than merely eroding its space in the strait.