China intensifies activity around Taiwan: CGA

WARTIME RISK: Increased Chinese vessel activity might be rehearsals on how to sever Taiwan’s Pacific supply lines from allies, local officials said By Yimou Lee / Reuters, TAIPEI Add TT as Preferred Source Taiwan detected a sharp rise in Chinese coast guard and research vessel activity around the nation last month, prompting Taipei to plan drills simulating Chinese escalations off its Pacific coast, the Coast Guard Administration (CGA) said.Taiwan reported 55 Chinese government vessel sightings, including coast guard and research boats, around the nation last month, up from 30 in May, CGA data showed.The sightings surged 83 percent from May and 120 percent from the 25 sightings a year earlier. The tally excluded sightings around Taiwan-controlled islands near the Chinese coast. Two Chinese