🇺🇸🇨🇳 Taiwan is upgrading its maritime patrol capacity around the remote Pratas Islands, one of its most vulnerable outposts, as Chinese activity around the territory increases. A new 100-tonne patrol boat has been permanently stationed there, while Taiwan is now regularly deploying larger Coast Guard vessels to the surrounding waters following the completion of a new wharf. The news comes as Xi meets Trump in Washington, with it being expectated that Beijing will press the U.S. to reduce arms sales and support for Taiwan as part of broader negotiations. More than 400 km from Taiwan, Pratas is particularly difficult for Taipei to defend and has faced increased Chinese Coast Guard activity, making it an important pressure point as the wider U.S.-China dispute over Taiwan continues. Source: Reuters / Writer: Mhedi