TAIPEI: China deployed a record number of coast guard, scientific research and other ships in Taiwan’s waters last month, the island’s coast guard told AFP, as Beijing dials up pressure on Taipei. Taiwan’s coast guard warned of an increasingly severe situation, as analysts say the increased activity is part of China’s bid to map the region for submarine warfare. China’s Communist Party has never ruled Taiwan, but Beijing claims the island democracy is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to annex it. China also asserts jurisdiction over Taiwan’s surrounding waters.

Beijing has ramped up its law-enforcement and survey operations around island since Tokyo and Manila announced boundary talks.

TAIPEI: China deployed a record number of coast guard, scientific research and other ships in Taiwan’s waters last month, the island’s coast guard told AFP, as Beijing dials up…