Taiwan’s Representative to the US, Hsiao Bi-khim, says that a new Chinese coast guard law, which came into effect February 1, may result in maritime conflict. The law authorizes the Chinese coast guard to use force against foreign vessels in regions China considers its own. The law goes against the United Nations Conventions on the Law of the Sea.
Hsiao’s comments came during an interview with Japan’s Kyodo News. She says other countries need to maintain vigilance now that the law is in effect.
Hsiao says she hopes the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (QSD) can help maintain peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. The QSD is an informal strategic initiative between the United States, India, Japan, and Australia, widely seen as a measure to counter Chinese economic and military expansion.