DATA & FIGURES
China's coast guard vessels have been patrolling the Pacific Ocean east of Taiwan at a distance of 54 nautical miles (100 kilometers) from the island. The test-firing of the submarine-launched ballistic missile carried a simulated training warhead for 7,300 kilometers.
THE SCENARIO
The current scenario in the Asia Pacific region is marked by rising tensions between China and its rivals, including the United States, Japan, and Taiwan. China's recent maneuvers are seen as an attempt to assert its territorial claims and establish itself as a major military power in the region. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of other regional powers, including Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, which are increasingly concerned about China's growing military presence.
DIRECT QUOTE
"That China uses the coast guard instead of the navy and air force is probably to reduce the threat profile of the exercises, so as to be able to claim restraint rather than escalating to the level of the formal military." — Brian Hioe, non-resident fellow at the Taiwan Research Hub of the University of Nottingham
BBN INSIGHT
The Positive Side: China's actions may lead to increased stability in the region if they are seen as a legitimate attempt to establish a new order. However, this is unlikely given the current tensions and the fact that China's actions are being perceived as aggressive by many regional powers. The Negative Side: China's maneuvers are likely to increase tensions in the region, potentially leading to conflicts and instability. The deployment of coast guard vessels and the test-firing of a submarine-launched ballistic missile are seen as a challenge to the dominance of the United States and may lead to a military buildup in the region.