Chinese coast guard patrols east of Taiwan extend Beijing's sovereignty claim, U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission Chair Randall Schriver said Oct. 20, sharpening a dispute over control of surrounding waters.
At a forum in Taipei, Schriver called the continuing presence “highly destabilising.” He said the patrols could appear to be routine law enforcement but were, in his view, an extension of Beijing's sovereignty claim and its legal, political and information warfare against Taiwan.
Taiwan's National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu told the same forum that Beijing had no legal claim to the waters east of the island. China's Foreign Ministry has maintained that the waters belong to China and that its activities there are lawful. Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory, a position Taipei rejects.
Reuters reported that Chinese activity off Taiwan's east coast has increased since June, including regular coast guard patrols. Taiwanese officials believe the use of military, paramilitary and civilian assets may be preparation for a maritime blockade, the news agency reported.
Taiwan's Defense Ministry said 27 Chinese military aircraft, including nuclear-capable H-6 bombers, took part in another “joint combat readiness patrol” near the island on Oct. 20. The aircraft report concerned a separate military operation as officials discussed the coast guard presence east of Taiwan.
The dispute also comes amid uncertainty over U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. The United States supplies Taiwan with weapons and is its leading international supporter, although the two sides lack formal diplomatic relations, Reuters reported. The news agency said on Oct. 20 that U.S. President Donald Trump had not approved a proposed $14 billion arms package for Taiwan.
Schriver said he expected movement on the package in 2027. He cited the likelihood of further meetings between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in China and the Group of 20 summit in Florida later this year. Schriver said the proposal had support in Congress and among U.S. officials.
