# Lai Ching-te

Frigate at the Throat: PLA Patrols Tighten Grip on Taiwan’s Energy Lifelines as Taipei Expands Conscription

A recent confrontation off Penghu between a PLA frigate and a Taiwanese vessel highlights Beijing’s sustained maritime pressure on sea lanes that supply Taiwan’s major ports. Beijing’s stepped‑up air and naval activity has prompted Taipei to repurpose conscription into combat units, deepening domestic political strains while increasing the risk of miscalculation and economic disruption.