Taiwanese authorities say China is increasing gray-zone maritime operations
around Taiwan ...

... in an effort to create the impression that Beijing has jurisdiction over
waters off the island's eastern coast.

The Coast Guard Administration says the number of detected Chinese government
vessel movements east of the Taiwan Strait median line rose 83 percent in
June compared with May ...

... with coast guard and research ships accounting for most of the increase.

Authorities say some Chinese vessels have radioed commercial ships near
Taiwan to ask about their routes, while research ships have collected
maritime data under the guise of scientific work.

The CGA also noted that Chinese government vessels often switch off their
automatic identification systems when approaching Taiwan ...

But Taiwan uses joint intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
capabilities to track their movements.

(IG)