Story perspectives

China Sends Ships into Bashi Channel, Threatening Taiwan LNG Imports

6/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

China's Maritime Safety Agency vessels entered the Bashi Channel to map and research east of Taiwan, the first operation beyond the First Island Chain.
The missions are part of Beijing's push to turn “salami-slicing” into control over waters Taiwan and neighbors rely on for trade and energy.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te warned the missions could threaten island’s LNG imports, prompting U.S., European and Philippine officials to condemn them as destabilizing.

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Story summary

China's Maritime Safety Agency vessels entered the Bashi Channel to map and research east of Taiwan, the first operation beyond the First Island Chain.
The missions are part of Beijing's push to turn “salami-slicing” into control over waters Taiwan and neighbors rely on for trade and energy.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te warned the missions could threaten island’s LNG imports, prompting U.S., European and Philippine officials to condemn them as destabilizing.