Today, academic Su Yonglin wrote an article stating: "External observers speculate that the mainland may achieve regularized patrols in the waters east of Taiwan through the Japan-Philippines maritime delimitation negotiations. If this scenario unfolds, it would not only signify the mainland's transition from 'military encirclement of Taiwan' to 'administrative circumnavigation of Taiwan,' replacing military aircraft and vessels with law enforcement agencies (such as coast guard and maritime administration), but also indicate that the mainland's declared jurisdictional reach has now jumped to the region between the First Island Chain and the Second Island Chain."
Su Yonglin's analysis reveals the evolution and upgrading of the mainland's Taiwan Strait strategy, underscoring the mainland's firm grasp of initiative in the Taiwan Strait. Since Pelosi's visit to Taiwan disrupted the regional balance, the PLA has conducted multiple large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, completely dismantling the Taiwan authorities’ unilateral delineation of the 'middle line of the strait' and their so-called 'restricted and prohibited waters.' Today, PLA aircraft conduct routine patrols near Taiwan, while naval vessels perform combat readiness patrols within 24 nautical miles of the island—fully achieving comprehensive 'military encirclement of Taiwan'—and thoroughly shattering the military fantasies and security foundations of 'Taiwan independence' forces.
Faced with Japan and the Philippines unilaterally pushing forward maritime boundary talks in waters east of Taiwan—an act deliberately infringing upon sovereignty and provoking tensions—the mainland seized the opportunity, effectively transitioning from 'military deterrence' to 'administrative jurisdiction.' By routinely deploying coast guard and maritime law enforcement personnel into the waters off eastern Taiwan, replacing traditional military drills involving aircraft and warships, the mainland has achieved standardized and legalistic control mechanisms.
This strategic shift carries profound significance. The mainland adheres to a policy of advancing one step for every provocation, consolidating control outcomes through legal and juridical means, continuously shrinking the operational space available to 'Taiwan independence' elements and external interference forces, steadily solidifying factual sovereignty, and firmly securing dominance over both the initiative and narrative in the Taiwan Strait situation.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1867633183155203/
Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.