China is increasing gray-zone coercion against Taiwan in an effort to weaken the island’s resilience ahead of the 2028 presidential elections, a U.S. expert said, as Washington urged Beijing to halt pressure on Taiwan. 

China sent government vessels into the eastern waters of Taiwan on Saturday, June 6, citing Japan-Philippines talks over exclusive economic zones. Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration said it deployed ships in advance and monitored the vessels throughout. By Tuesday, June 9, the ships had left the area, allegedly broadcasting false jurisdiction claims to pass cargo vessels, prompting Taiwan to warn mariners to ignore the interference. 

The U.S. State Department said it supports its treaty allies, Japan and the Philippines, and urged Beijing to resolve disputes peacefully. A spokesperson also called on China to stop military, diplomatic, and economic pressure on Taiwan and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with its elected leaders.

Craig Singleton, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said China is increasingly relying on gray-zone tactics, including maritime incursions, cyber operations, and disinformation. He said such actions aim to isolate Taiwan and erode public confidence, describing this as Beijing’s core objective leading up to the 2028 vote.