China Attempts to "Enforce the Law" in Waters East of Taiwan The New York Times reports that on July 5, the China Coast Guard announced the launch of "law enforcement patrols" in the western Pacific waters east of Taiwan, with two coast guard vessels, "Xiushan" and "Chongming," deployed 80 to 140 nautical miles off Taiwan's east coast. This marks a new move by China to expand the scope of pressure on the Taiwan Strait to the eastern waters. Analysts point out that previous China Coast Guard patrols have mainly focused on the Taiwan Strait, and this operation carries clear political intent, aimed at challenging Taiwan's control over the waters and rehearsing steps related to a potential future blockade. Taiwan's Coast Guard Administration dispatched vessels to track the ships and stated it would forcibly repel any harassing vessels; Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council emphasized that China has "no jurisdiction whatsoever" over the waters. It is reported that the China Coast Guard vessels had previously requested information such as crew details and destinations from at least three merchant ships, with one Singapore-flagged cargo ship complying. The US, UK, France, and Germany issued statements last month criticizing the related patrol operations.

In Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and Wenzhou, Zhejiang, you’ll find “Banping Mountain” — each half of a whole, according to local lore. Two places across the Taiwan Strait sharing one name.

President Xi stressed to President Trump that the Taiwan question is the most important issue in China-U.S. relations. If it is handled properly, the bilateral relationship will enjoy overall stability. Otherwise, the two countries will have clashes and even conflicts, putting the entire relationship in great jeopardy. “Taiwan independence” and cross-Strait peace are as irreconcilable as fire and water. Safeguarding peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is the biggest common denominator between China and the U.S.