China increases maritime presence east of Taiwan to assert sovereignty and test jurisdiction

China is intensifying its maritime activities east of Taiwan to assert sovereignty and test the willingness of foreign vessels to comply with its jurisdiction. The People's Republic of China has established a permanent law enforcement presence in these waters, utilizing China Coast Guard ships, civilian law enforcement vessels, and scientific research ships to conduct regular patrols and surveys. Recent data shows a significant increase in Chinese government vessels in the area, with Taiwan's coast guard reporting 244 sightings in a single month, more than four times the number seen in July 2025. These activities include maritime surveys to understand seabed geology and

Sources

• South China Morning Post
  Mainland China stepping up preparations for Taiwan blockade, report says
• Institute for the Study of War
  The PRC Normalizes “Law Enforcement” East of Taiwan
• CNN
  Chinese government ships spotted in record numbers off Taiwan in July
• Baird Maritime
  China surveys waters off eastern Taiwan for "one map" project

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Paywall and unreadable sources

• Taipei Times
  MND report flags PLA efforts to boost Taiwan landing capabilities