Xi begins Taiwan invasion, takes unprotected Pratas Island first as US ignores ally for Iran war?

China is turning up the heat around one of Taiwan’s weakest outposts just as the U.S. is distracted by war with Iran and a paused arms deal for Taipei. Over the weekend, a Chinese coast guard ship sailed towards Taiwan‑controlled Pratas Island, prompting Taipei to dispatch its own vessel. Here's why Pratas – a small, lightly defended island lying between southern Taiwan and Hong Kong – is seen as a likely first target if Beijing ever tests the waters of a Taiwan invasion.