China Accelerates Antelope Reef Militarization in Paracels; Taiwan Coast Guard Prepares Blockade Response

China accelerated reclamation at Antelope Reef in the Paracels, creating ~15 km² of new land since December 2025 with concrete plants and prefab shelters. PRC defense budget rose to $278B (+7%). Taiwan's coast guard is training with US, Japanese, and Philippine counterparts for blockade scenarios. AEI noted intensified PLA exercises simulating Taiwan blockade operations.