Politically embattled at home, President Joe Biden faces an increasingly serious test abroad. China is ramping up its state piracy against vessels and persons from the Philippines and Taiwan.

On Tuesday, Chinese coast guard vessels seized a Taiwanese fishing boat in waters near Taiwan’s Kinmen Islands. The five-person crew and vessel have been detained. When the Taiwanese Coast Guard briefly attempted to rescue the crew, they were chased away by Chinese forces. Why is this a big deal?