China's Coast Guard Conducts Patrols East of Taiwan, Says It Will Step Up Enforcement
China's coast guard carried out what it described as routine law enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan island on Saturday, October 31, state broadcaster CCTV reported.
Coast guard spokesperson Jiang Lue said the force had continued to strengthen control over the waters since the start of October to protect the lawful rights and safety of Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots, and that it would continue to step up law enforcement patrols in waters under its jurisdiction.
Such patrols are part of an increase in activity since June in the waters east of Taiwan, which China views as its own territory. China recognises no claims of sovereignty by Taiwan, including over the seas around the island.
Officials in Taiwan, which rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims, say they believe China is practicing for a potential maritime blockade using overlapping military, paramilitary and civilian assets, according to Reuters.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：中国海警 5901 舰（资料图）。照片：Philippine Coast Guard，公共领域，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / China Coast Guard vessel 5901 (file photo). Photo by the Philippine Coast Guard, public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
