The Energy Gambit: China’s Offshore Build-Up Tests Taiwan’s Boundaries

At least 12 Chinese assets, including large platforms, have been documented inside Taiwan’s EEZ. One approached within 50km of a restricted zone.
Specialists call it a gambit: use commercial activity to entrench presence while keeping tensions below a boil.
Taipei’s muted response may reflect hard trade-offs—legal ambiguity, limited forces, and broad waters to patrol.
Observers warn that failing to object now could encourage bolder steps later.