Taiwan tensionsObservers warn of narrowing strategic space for Lai and Taipei's friendsChinese President Xi Jinping's government is launching repeated maritime operations around Taiwan, including to the east, while stepping up other forms of pressure on Lai Ching-te's elected administration in Taipei. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Getty Images, Reuters and Sae Kamae)THOMPSON CHAUJuly 6, 2026 12:46 JSTTAICHUNG, Taiwan -- Evolving forms of Chinese diplomatic, political, legal and maritime pressure are hitting Taiwan all at once, officials and diplomats say, constricting Taipei's strategic options.