BEIJING – China’s Coast Guard maintained near-daily patrols at key features across the disputed South China Sea last year, ramping up its presence as tensions over the waterway with Southeast Asian neighbours remain high, new tracking data shows.
The patrols show Beijing’s determination to assert control over its claim to more than 80% of the South China Sea, the analysis of ship identification data says, and raises the risk of a mishap at sea that regional officials worry could lead to a larger conflict. Mr Poling said the Chinese patrols are becoming a fact of life in the region: “The patrol locations have been extremely consistent in recent years, creating a predictable status quo that the Southeast Asian parties can manage, albeit with difficulty.”
The Southeast Asian nation last month ordered the military to strengthen its presence in the South China Sea after repeatedly voicing displeasure with incursions by China’s People’s Liberation Army. Vietnam and Indonesia are also bolstering their own defences.
If the PLAN don't do something, squatters will take over that entire region.