China Eyes Commercial Ships in a Move to Intimidate Taiwan
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An ‘inspection’ flotilla could be the first step in a blockade of the island. The world needs to be ready.
When House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen met in California last week, Beijing expressed its displeasure. It did so by sending patrol vessels to the Taiwan Strait, where Chinese authorities said the vessels might conduct inspections. China could use such inspections to block this vital trade artery. Friendly navies should signal support for Taiwan’s navy. Governments should create an early-warning system for the shipping world, so vessels take alternate routes.
Taiwan instructed shipping lines not to comply with any inspections by the Haixun 06-led flotilla. “This is a virtual blockade,” said retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, a former director of operations at U.S. Pacific Command. “It’s a way for China to make shipping companies and insurers stay away from Taiwan.”
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