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Research highlights a surge of Chinese oil and gas platforms operating in Taiwan’s EEZ. Some structures appear to have been present for years.
Analysts argue the activity is part of Beijing’s broader campaign to compress Taiwan’s maneuvering space. The presence of jackets signals potential long-term intent.
Taiwan’s political status restricts recourse to international arbitration, and its coast guard remit is limited. These constraints complicate a forceful response.
Observers warn that such installations could have dual-use value in a crisis, from surveillance to blockade support.