Taiwan reports sharp rise in Chinese coast guard activity around island in June

Taiwan's coast guard said 263 Chinese vessels entered its surrounding waters in June, up from 200 the month before and 171 a year earlier. The ships, which include coast guard, rescue and research vessels, are part of what officials call “grey‑zone harassment” and do not include warships. Beijing has begun “law‑enforcement” patrols east of Taiwan, radioing cargo ships and saying it aims to disrupt shipping and prevent supplies from reaching the island. Taiwan plans live drills to counter a possible quarantine or blockade, and President Lai Ching‑te urged the public to resist China’s “red terror”.