A new Taiwanese government poll shows most people on the island read China's recent maritime patrols as a hostile move, a bad sign for cross-strait relations.

• Seven in ten Taiwanese call China's coast guard patrols east of Taiwan an act of ill will; only a small share see goodwill.
• China has been running "special maritime law-enforcement operations" near Taiwan since June, which Taipei says is meant to fake the impression that Beijing controls those waters.
• More than three-quarters back tougher punishment for foreigners who commit violent crimes in Taiwan, after a Hong Kong man attacked commentator Akio Yaita in Taichung in July.
• Over 80% reject Beijing's "one country, two systems" offer and want Taiwan's future decided by its own people.
• Slightly more people now put defending sovereignty ahead of building economic ties with China.

Outlook: Taipei is weighing harsher penalties for crimes directed by hostile foreign powers, and public opinion gives it room to keep resisting Beijing's pressure.