On May 28, 2026, Japan and the Philippines announced the start of negotiations over the delimitation of their exclusive economic zones and continental shelves in waters east and southeast of Taiwan. On June 1, China’s Coast Guard announced that the Daishan vessel (2502) task group had conducted “law enforcement patrols” east of Taiwan, describing the operation as a response to the Japan–Philippines maritime negotiations.
Sources cited by The Epoch Times said the patrols were aimed less at military deterrence and more at increasing political and psychological pressure on Taiwan. One source close to the Chinese military claimed Beijing recognizes that such operations are unlikely to intimidate Taiwan’s government directly and is instead seeking to influence Taiwanese public opinion ahead of the 2028 presidential election.
Observers noted that China has increasingly relied on coast guard vessels, maritime surveillance ships, and so-called “law enforcement patrols” rather than traditional naval deployments around Taiwan. One scholar cited economic pressure as a major reason for the shift, arguing that coast guard operations are far less costly than military deployments while still allowing Beijing to create the perception of “encirclement” around Taiwan.
Analysts also said the strategy enables Beijing to frame its activities as administrative law enforcement or maritime management rather than overt military escalation. China hopes the regular presence of coast guard vessels will gradually normalize Beijing’s claims over waters currently regarded as part of international freedom of navigation zones.
Source: Epoch Times, June 4, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/6/3/n14781055.htm