China's Xi doubles down on favorite weapon against US allies

Chinese President Xi Jinping this month demanded his country's coast guard assertively enforce maritime law, doubling down on his preference for the powerful, non-military force that has caused policy dilemmas for the United States and its allies in the region.

During a recent visit to Shanghai, Xi emphasized the need to "resolutely defend China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. His speech on December 1 was made to the People's Armed Police Force, the domestic security paramilitary agency that governs the China Coast Guard.

Xi's directive comes amid escalating maritime tensions between Beijing and its neighbors in the East and South China seas. In recent months, Chinese maritime law enforcement and maritime militia vessels have travelled hundreds of miles from the country's coast to engage in standoffs with the Phillippines, a U.S. treaty ally.