China has stepped up military patrols around a disputed reef in the South China Sea, raising tensions with Taiwan and other countries in the region.

• China's Southern Theater Command said it sent ships and aircraft to patrol the waters and airspace around Scarborough Shoal, which Taiwan calls Minzhu Reef.
• China said these patrols have been building since August, with tighter control over the surrounding sea and air.
• Taiwan's foreign ministry condemned the move, saying Chinese aircraft flew dangerously close to other countries' planes.
• Taiwan called the behavior unsafe and provocative, and urged China to follow international law and settle disputes peacefully.
• Taiwan said it will keep working with like-minded countries to protect freedom of navigation and flight in the area.

Outlook: Expect more Chinese patrols and more pushback from Taiwan and its partners, keeping the South China Sea a flashpoint.