Beijing ramps up maritime patrols around Taiwan, prompting Taipei to shadow ships

Beijing has stepped up its maritime presence around Taiwan, deploying coastguard patrols from the island’s eastern approaches to waters near Quemoy and remote Dongsha Island.Chinese coastguard spokesman Jiang Lue said on Saturday that a formation led by the vessel Hushi carried out routine law enforcement patrols east of Taiwan to reinforce administrative control and safeguard maritime navigation.“Since October, the Hushi task group has been strengthening control over the relevant waters to effectively ensure orderly navigation and activities,” Jiang said in a statement.