BEIJING - China is ramping up pressure on Taiwan, with a record number of Chinese government vessels detected around the island last month.
Taiwan’s coast guard says 244 Chinese coast guard, research and other government vessels were detected around its main island in July – an average of almost eight ships a day.
That is a sharp increase from 55 vessels in June and 30 in May.
The figures do not include Chinese warships, which are deployed around Taiwan almost daily.
Taiwan has warned that the growing maritime presence is making the security situation increasingly serious.
Analysts say some of the Chinese research vessels may be gathering information that could be used for military purposes, including anti-submarine warfare.
The increased activity has also raised concerns about a possible future blockade or quarantine aimed at restricting the movement of ships carrying vital supplies to and from Taiwan.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory, despite the Chinese Communist Party never having ruled the self-governed island. Beijing has not ruled out using force to bring Taiwan under its control.
The developments come after China warned its citizens in Eswatini to leave the country, citing security concerns including cyber fraud and online gambling.
Eswatini rejected the warning, calling China’s assessment of the security situation “unsupported” and “regrettable.”
READ: Taiwan leader makes delayed visit to Eswatini after China objections
The kingdom is one of just 12 countries that still maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan, making its relationship with Taipei a sensitive issue for Beijing.
China has successfully persuaded several countries to sever ties with Taiwan and establish diplomatic relations with Beijing instead.
Earlier this year, China also excluded Eswatini from a zero-tariff policy extended to other African countries.
With Beijing increasing pressure on Taiwan and continuing its efforts to isolate Taipei diplomatically, Eswatini’s decision to maintain ties with Taiwan remains a significant point of tension.