Why the China Coast Guard Matters in the South China Sea and Taiwan

Over the last decade, China’s Coast Guard has developed into one of the world’s largest maritime law-enforcement agencies, operating a vast fleet of about 680 vessels. While it performs many of the same functions as its global counterparts — responding to emergencies at sea and enforcing maritime law in its jurisdiction — it is increasingly being used for a different purpose: advancing Beijing’s territorial claims.

By Yian Lee