China is increasing its maritime presence east of Taiwan, according to the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative. This expansion appears to be a response to the strengthening cooperation between the Philippines and Japan. Beijing is attempting to establish jurisdiction over parts of the Philippine Sea, a region already marked by territorial disputes involving Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines. China is using law enforcement patrols and other maritime operations to exert administrative control over these contested waters, refusing to participate in ongoing boundary talks between Japan and the Philippines. Market pricing reflects a slight increase in the perceived likelihood of a future Chinese invasion of Taiwan.
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