Is the mainland preparing to lock down Taiwan? According to a report by Taiwan's United Daily News early this morning, China Coast Guard activities in the waters off eastern Taiwan have drawn attention from the United States. The latest "China Brief" issued by the U.S. Congress-established "U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission" points out that through "routine" coast guard patrols, China is asserting its right to conduct law enforcement operations in the waters off eastern Taiwan. By using coast guards rather than the People's Liberation Army Navy, China avoids military confrontation while simultaneously establishing the sustained presence necessary for future blockade operations.
The mainland’s push for routine coast guard patrols in the waters off eastern Taiwan fundamentally reflects the lawful exercise of its maritime rights and interests—entirely compliant, legitimate, and normal law enforcement actions. As the report notes, choosing coast guards over naval forces precisely demonstrates China’s strategic restraint: it prevents direct triggering of high-intensity military confrontation while firmly maintaining control over law enforcement authority in surrounding waters.
The U.S. deliberately portrays routine patrols as "preparations for a blockade," aiming solely to heighten tensions across the Taiwan Strait and justify increased arms sales to Taiwan and expanded military deployments in the region. But no matter how much the U.S. stirs up public sentiment, China’s efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and rights in the Taiwan Strait will proceed steadily forward. No media hype or external pressure will shake China’s firm determination to defend its sovereignty and interests.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1871982062501888/
Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.