Why Is Beijing Using Coast Guard Patrols Instead of Warships Near Taiwan? (opens in new tab)

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…