China patrols ‘deeply destabilizing’: US

CHANGE UNWELCOME: US State Secretary Marco Rubio said Washington’s opposition to coercive attempts to alter the ‘status quo’ has been made clear in meetings with Beijing The US government has described China dispatching coast guard vessels to waters east of Taiwan as “deeply destabilizing,” and called on Beijing to end its pressure campaign against Taipei.The China Coast Guard on Friday said a formation led by its vessel Xiushan (秀山艦) had intensified patrols in waters east of Taiwan.“Since July, the Xiushan task force has strengthened control over the relevant waters to effectively ensure orderly navigation and maritime activities,” China Coast Guard spokesperson Jiang Lue (姜略) said. The seal of the US Department of State is pictured in Washington in an undated photograph. Photo: Reuters T