In Matsu, on the coast of Taiwan, the tensions are clearly felt. Here, there was a recent lack of internet access for two months, which is blamed on Chinese ships.
The Chinese mainland is only a few kilometers above sea level. It is not uncommon for Chinese fishing boats to come to Matsu and fish using illegal methods, harassing Taiwanese fishing boats.
Watch SVT’s Asia correspondent Tilde Lewin when she visits the islands in the video above.