BEIJING — China said Thursday its navy warned off a French warship that had entered the Taiwan Strait earlier this month and has lodged an official protest over the rare move by a European power. The French ship never showed up, without an explanation from either country. But France and Britain have challenged China’s claims in the South China Sea, sending ships close to disputed islands on separate operations last year. China has not been shy about conducting military exercises in the South China Sea or Taiwan, either. China has significantly stepped up diplomatic and military pressure on Taiwan since Beijing-sceptic President Tsai Ing-wen took office in 2016.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 25, 2019 11:15 UTC