Beijing sends naval forces to monitor US warship near South China Sea shoal

· Security · Taiwan · China

Beijing sent naval forces to monitor a US warship near a disputed South China Sea shoal, according to reports. Taiwan said a Chinese Coast Guard ship entered 'restricted waters' near the Pratas Islands it controls. A US Congress-appointed official said Chinese patrols to Taiwan's east are 'destabilising', noting China has stepped up activity off the island's east coast since June with regular coast guard patrols. The incidents add to military friction in the region as Washington and Beijing jostle over maritime rules and Taiwan.

Why it matters：Military encounters in the South China Sea and around Taiwan raise the risk of miscalculation between the US and China.

Key points

  • Beijing monitored a US warship near a disputed shoal
  • Taiwan says a Chinese coast guard ship entered restricted waters
  • US official flags Chinese patrols east of Taiwan

Sources (original reporting)

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