China puts the ‘squeeze’ on Taiwan with new maritime patrols

Core Impact Points

• China's Maritime Safety Administration and coastguard have staged multiple patrols and 'special maritime law enforcement operations' in the waters east of Taiwan.
• The shift east has occurred amid a greater uptick in Chinese maritime activity around Taiwan and its outlying islands, with 55 sightings of Chinese coastguard and research vessel activity in June.
• Analysts warn that 'law enforcement' activities could quickly escalate into a blockade or quarantine, which would strain Taiwan's limited resources and damage morale.
• China's coastguard is not a civilian police force, but falls under the jurisdiction of the Central Military Commission as a division of the People's Armed Police.
• The US has expressed opposition to the expanded patrols, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying they undermine regional stability.
• China may be taking advantage of a US distracted by the war in Iran and a president who appears ambivalent towards Taiwan.