Taiwan Coast Patrols

China increases maritime pressure on Taiwan with new patrols off the Pacific coast

China is increasing its maritime pressure on Taiwan, focusing on its Pacific coast, a vital lifeline with U.S. allies. Since June, China has deployed on average two Coast Guard cutters per month east of Taiwan, marking the first time such patrols have been reported in this area since January 2025. These patrols covered a vast area of 27,100 square nautical miles, more than twice the size of Taiwan. The move is seen as an attempt by China to establish a new normal for its maritime presence in the waters east of the island. The U.K. has called China's actions "deeply destabilizing" and warned of potential disruptions to shipping off the Pacific coast.