China's Coast Guard Patrols Near Taiwanese Islands Deemed "Beyond Reproach." China has asserted that its coast guard patrols around the Taiwanese-controlled Kinmen islands, proximate to China's coast, are justified, countering Taiwan's claims of causing panic by boarding a Taiwanese tourist boat. The patrols aim to uphold "normal order" and safeguard fishermen and travelers, according to Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office. Amid escalating tensions, especially following the election of Taiwan's president Lai Ching-te, viewed by Beijing as a separatist, Taiwan reports increased Chinese military activity near its territory. China, denying Taiwan's sovereignty, attributes the recent deaths of two Chinese nationals to Taiwan's aggressive enforcement actions and urges respect for traditional fishing practices in the strait.