TAIPEI TIMES》Chinese tactics risk new 'status quo,' official says

TAIPEI TIMES》Chinese tactics risk new “status quo,” official says ties China’s evolving maritime pressure to fears of a new reality in the Taiwan Strait. Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling said at the Taiwan International Ocean Forum in Taipei that gradual “gray zone” tactics could change the status quo almost without notice, even if each step remains below the threshold of conventional warfare. Kuan described Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines as facing the same pattern of actions, including daily Chinese military flights and other tactics that fall short of outright conflict. She pointed to regular coast guard patrols off Taiwan’s east coast, which Taipei says violate its maritime jurisdiction, and to routine Chinese ship activity across the East China Sea, Taiwan Strait and South China Sea. Kuan warned that shipping routes could be adjusted, insurers could reprice risk, and personnel on the front line could face greater pressure. National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Lii Wen said “authoritarian expansionism” would continue if the world does not respond.