China flexes maritime muscle with bigger, tougher coast guard ships

BEIJING -- The China Coast Guard is expanding its presence in the East and South China seas as well as in waters near Taiwan, deploying larger and more sophisticated vessels as it essentially acts as an extension of the Chinese navy.

The ramp-up reflects Chinese President Xi Jinping's focus on Beijing's maritime ambitions. Japan, Taiwan and the Philippines worry that the buildup could raise the risk of accidental clashes in these waters.