China escalates 'gray zone' tactics with increased military and coast guard patrols around Taiwan

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense tracked eight Chinese military aircraft, eight naval vessels, and four official ships around Taiwan. China has also intensified its 'law enforcement patrols' east of Taiwan, deploying an average of two coast guard ships per month since June, with some coming as close as 55.5 kilometers from Taiwan's eastern coast. This is seen as an attempt by Beijing to establish a 'new normal' for its maritime presence in strategically vital waters.