Beijing sends coastguard to conduct ‘law enforcement’ patrol near Taiwan

Beijing said it conducted a routine patrol in waters east of Taiwan on Thursday, the latest in weeks of ramped-up activity by coastguard and other vessels that has alarmed the island. China Coast Guard spokesman Jiang Lue said a formation led by the Putuoshan vessel carried out a “law enforcement” patrol “in accordance with the law”. He said the formation had strengthened control over the waters since last month, safeguarding the rights and interests of Chinese citizens. “The China Coast…