China increases pressure – patrols off Taiwan

TT

Published 08.58

 

A Chinese police ship in the South China Sea near the Taiwan-controlled Taiping Island, which is part of the Spratly Islands claimed by several countries.

A Chinese police ship in the South China Sea near the Taiwan-controlled Taiping Island, which is part of the Spratly Islands claimed by several countries. Photo: Taiwan's Government Via AP/TT

The Chinese coast guard is patrolling east of Taiwan in an operation that seems increasingly permanent. It must end, Taiwan warns.

Tensions have risen since China launched its first "law enforcement operation" in the area in June. The Chinese coast guard then called cargo ships passing off Taiwan and demanded information about the crew and destination.

This weekend, China announced that it intends to remain in the area.

Taiwan sees the operation as Chinese expansionism. Beijing’s behavior goes “far beyond what is permitted under international law,” according to Gregory Poling of the American think tank CSIS.

China must be stopped at an early stage, says Taiwan’s Vice Navy Minister Sung Chen-En.

“We will make sure that the patrols do not become permanent.”

Beijing has for years been expanding its military presence in the waters around Taiwan, which it sees as part of China.