China has expanded coast guard patrols into waters east of Taiwan for the first time in quick succession, raising fears in Taipei that Beijing may be rehearsing a containment strategy. The move marks one of the most significant escalations yet in the China-Taiwan conflict 2026, adding to months of growing military and legal pressure on the self-ruled island. Background Understanding the China-Taiwan conflict history helps explain why this week’s patrols matter so much. China’s Communist Party has claimed Taiwan as part of its territory since the Chinese civil war ended…
Read MoreChina-Taiwan Conflict 2026: Beijing’s New Maritime Patrols Signal Rising Pressure
