Beijing ramps up coastguard patrols and scientific surveys near Taiwan

Beijing said it conducted a routine patrol in waters east of Taiwan on Thursday, the latest in weeks of ramped-up activity by coastguard and other vessels that has alarmed the island. China Coast Guard spokesman Jiang Lue said a formation led by the Putuoshan vessel carried out a “law enforcement” patrol “in accordance with the law”. He said the formation had strengthened control over the waters s