US Condemns Chinese Vessel Activity East of Taiwan

The United States called China’s maritime activity east of Taiwan deeply destabilizing and urged Beijing to end pressure on the island and pursue dialogue with its democratically elected government. The criticism followed the reported August sighting of a Chinese fishing boat identified as part of the maritime militia operating off Taiwan’s east coast alongside a coast guard vessel and a research ship. Taiwan says China has increased patrols in the area and may be rehearsing a blockade using military, paramilitary and civilian vessels; the eastern coast is considered important for supply routes in a conflict. Taiwan’s Coast Guard said the vessels were outside restricted waters, while Taipei warned that China’s use of coast guard and research activity could expand its presence and test Taiwan’s maritime enforcement.