US Official Warns Chinese Patrols Destabilize Taiwan

Randall Schriver, chair of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission, called China’s increased Coast Guard patrols east of Taiwan highly destabilizing, arguing that Beijing is using civilian law-enforcement activity to advance its sovereignty claims through legal, political and information warfare. Taiwan officials say the patrols could help prepare for a maritime blockade using military, paramilitary and civilian assets, while Taiwan National Security Council Secretary-General Joseph Wu said China has no legal claim to the waters east of the island. China claims Taiwan as its territory and did not immediately comment. The concerns come as President Donald Trump has yet to approve a proposed $14 billion arms package for Taiwan; he has described weapons sales as a negotiating chip, after approving $11 billion in arms sales in December.