Taiwan-China tensions will continue to rise

Significance In an apparent expansion of its claims in the Taiwan Strait, China has responded by increasing patrols near Kinmen. The Chinese coast guard on February 19 boarded a Taiwanese tourist boat in the area and conducted a brief inspection, alarming passengers and triggering a formal protest from Taipei. Impacts Taiwan will look for an easing of tensions and resolution of maritime disputes around its outlying islands. Tourism, which has become a major source of revenue for Kinmen, will likely be negatively impacted. Regional territorial claimants will interpret the incidents around Taiwan as further evidence of Chinese expansionism.