China signals ‘new normal’ with coast guard patrols off eastern Taiwan

China's recent coast guard patrols off eastern Taiwan signal a new phase in its territorial claims, ramping up pressure on the self-governed island. Analysts suggest Beijing is establishing this as a persistent practice, likely to assert its authority and keep the region on edge. This move has significant implications for regional stability, as it heightens tensions in the South China Sea and could impact international relations, especially with the U.S. and other nations with vested interests in the area. The patrols underscore China's ongoing efforts to enforce its claims and keep Taiwan within its perceived sphere of control.