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

Published on May 25, 2026 02:44 pm IST

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.

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