A conflict between Taiwan and China over a strategically located atoll at the top of the South China Sea risks escalating into a fatal confrontation and delivering a devastating blow to the first island chain, an expert warns.
A Chinese coast guard vessel entered waters near the Pratas Islands on May 23, triggering a standoff and an exchange of radio warnings with a Taiwanese patrol ship, Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said on May 24.
The Chinese vessel claimed to be on a “routine mission” and asserted jurisdiction over the area, but Taipei countered sharply.
“Please do not destroy peace. You should return and strive for democracy. That is the correct way to serve your country,” the Taiwanese crew radioed back, according to a translation of a CGA press release….
China’s Provocations in Taiwan’s Outer Islands Threaten First Island Chain, Expert Warns
